Top pick: #7 (UNCLE GARE) (5-1) - He had some trouble handling the muddy going last out in a contest that was "off the turf," but it was his first in two and a half months, and he probably needed the race anyway. Nicely spotted today, the high percentage barn of Jay Servis adds blinkers (27%).
2nd pick: #12 (Mongol Boss) (3-1) - He finished a pace-setting second when debuting on the Keeneland "poly" on April 13, then showed nothing here two weeks later racing on real dirt. Freshened up since, trainer Mike Maker has him working fast, and gelding is bred to like the turf.
3rd pick: #9 (Harrier Hill) (6-1) - Darley home-bred set a fast pace and held to finish second here facing weaker going six furlongs on the grass May 17. By far his best to date, and he's a threat on the front end.
4th pick: #8 (Cowboy Prince) (15-1) - He showed nothing last out in a switched contest, but was competitive at this level and distance on the grass in his previous start. Don't just dismiss.
5th pick: #3 (First Beach) (15-1) - Away slowly in his debut here on the dirt May 27, trainer Jimmy Jerkens switches him to the grass and adds both lasix & blinkers. "Live" longshot.