Top pick: #5 (SHEIK'S SERENADE) - Impressed in her debut on Oct. 12, with a "game" second-place finish after breaking a bit "awkwardly." Quick turnaround by the Bill Mott barn indicates she's doing well. Seven-furlong distance should be right for her.
2nd pick: #8 (Spell Check) - Poor racing luck in her debut added up to a sub-par performance. Sloppy track, poor post (11), and a wide trip all contributed. Filly finished a strong second last out at Belmont with a clean start. Working fast for this and she draws a nice post.
3rd pick: #1 (Southern Oaks) - Lots of speed shown by this filly in her Saratoga bow before tiring a bit late. Freshened up since by the McLaughlin barn, she may take a lot of catching. Trainer is 27% with runners making their second start.