Top pick: #4 (KING AND CRUSADER) - He won a $75K stakes last out at Laurel for fellow Maryland-breds and has shown steady improvement since he was claimed by Rick Dutrow in late August at Saratoga. He should love this mile trip and he also has a flexible running style. The top pick, he's one of two entered here by Dutrow and the pair will race uncoupled.
2nd pick: #3 (Reserved Quality) - The second of the Dutrow pair was claimed out of his maiden win (and debut) at Saratoga on August 17th for $60K. Colt by "Elusive Quality" finished a "troubled" fourth at Belmomt seven weeks later in his first for the new barn and has been on the sidelines since. Working steadily for this attempt, he's still above the purchase price and will be trying a two-turn distance for the first time. The presence of Dominguez is always a plus.
3rd pick: #6 (Sheriff Silverstar) - Stretch-out sprinter rallied to finish fourth here at this level going 6 furlongs on Dec. 18. Has a pair of sharp works since, Garcia stays put, and trainer Ken McPeek wins at a 20% rate on the distance stretch.