Top pick: #7 (PRECIOUS METAL) (4-5) - He finished fourth last out on this surface facing much tougher "open" company and did so despite being "bumped" at the break. The leading trainer here (Dave Jacobson) drops him way down and moves him back in with fellow New York-breds this afternoon. Much the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Maggie's Hadder) (3-1) - Lightly-raced 3-year-old has excellent early speed and last out finished third of seven, beaten a length going 7 furlongs on this surface in a $100K stakes for fellow state-breds. Very serious looking foe.
3rd pick: #3 (Small Town) (12-1) - Nice effort here going a mile just eight days ago saw him involved every step while checking in fourth of nine, beaten less than a length facing "open" $16K claimers. Barn brings him back quickly, cuts him back in distance,and moves him back in with state-breds.