TOP PICK #1 ONE TOUGH DUDE Prior to missing most of 2005 this 5yo horse showed more than enough ability to handle a field like the one he faces today, including multiple wins for a $50,000 claiming tag. He won from just off the pace in a sprint when returning from the 10-month layoff Dec 28, but then may have ‘bounced’ off that big effort when he came back Jan 16. He then stretched out to this distance February 4 and proceeded to win about as easily as a horse can under a hand ride, leaving a next-out winner far back in 3rd. He led all the way that day while setting a strong pace and faces no other front-runners today.

HORSES FOR EXACTA AND TRIFECTA WAGERING 8 RULING STAR 7/2 Consistent gelding has hit the exacta in 25 of 52 lifetime starts, including a clear win and a neck loss in his last two starts. He could sit closest to One Tough Dude and get first run if that rival should tire.

4 MISTER HENNESSY 3/1 Late runner is very streaky and was RE-claimed last out. May be better around 1 turn.

7 ATFIRST BLUSH 9/2 Rallied from far back to win Jan 28 but didn’t handle the steep class rise Feb 11. Hot rider.