Top pick: #1 (NAJARANS STAR) - Part of a strong entry from trainer Richard Dutrow. Filly tired in the Meadowlands mud last out and has been given a month since that last race. Has good speed and draws the rail, and that combination has been winning a lot of races on this track.
2nd pick: #1a (Mike's Little Girl) - Completes a nice 1-2 punch if she goes. Stakes placed runner is one of three entered in this "optional" claimer for the $75,000 price-tag. Away since mid-October, she's working well for her return and has both speed and stalking ability to utilize.
3rd pick: #3 (One Step Ahead) - Not surprisingly, this filly ran a career best in winning her last in her first start for trainer Bruce Levine. Lightly raced daughter of "Include" is a big player here if she can repeat her last effort.