Top pick: #12 (COCONUT CREAM PIE) (3-1) - Not sure if she'll scratch in, but filly is the top pick if she does. Unlucky to lose two back, she was beaten by a better horse last out by a length after opening a clear lead in mid-stretch. In shape working fine, and she has enough positional speed to not let this outside post hurt her chances.
2nd pick: #7 (Van Dien Avenue) (6-1) - Price play is one of two entered by trainer Jim Cassidy and both have a shot. Filly goes "poly" to turf, stretches out in distance, and runs second back from a 6 1/2 month layoff. Competitive in both grass starts last fall and she had a blazing 5-furlong work here a week ago.
3rd pick: #9 (Dow Diva) (9-2) - Speed/stalker has been freshened up since May 31st after a series of four competitive efforts at this level. Working nicely for her return and trainer Doug O'Neill removes her blinkers.
4th pick: #1 (Hot and Pleasing) (5-1) - The second of the Cassidy pair, she's been racing evenly in her starts and last out ran a career best when finishing fourth at Hollywwod on July 4th. Very wide that day, she moves to the rail and can factor with some improvement.
5th pick: #8 (Marcyjane) - Another coming off a freshening (Feb. 18)and when last in action she finished third at this level and distance at Santa Anita. No-speed type will need some pace help and a clean trip.