Top pick: #5 (LA VERDAD) (6-5) - The probable heavy favorite, filly has gone 9-7-1-0 with her only sub-par effort coming in her debut 14 1/2 months ago when she finished fourth. Since then she's won seven of eight with her only loss being against "open" G2 company when missing by a length in Laurel's "Barbara Fritchie" Hdcp. on Feb. 22nd. Her latest win came in the G2 "Distaff" at Aqu. on April 19, and the only question today is the mile distance, which she's attempting for the first time.
2nd pick: #9 (Princess Mara) (15-1) - Veteran mare has become a much better horse late in the game. 6yo has gone 17-6-2-2 over the past 17 months and enters with two wins in a row. She's four for nine at this trip, draws a fine outside post, and is a threat if she holds her form following a barn change via a claim.
3rd pick: #8 (Tahoe Tigress) (12-1) - Freshened up since early January, mare is working well for her return, and has won four of five local starts. No speed type likes this distance (6-4-1-0) and would love a fast and/or contested pace to develop.
4th pick: #2 (Hot Stones) (20-1) - Speedy sort is working very fast for her first since March 20. Consistent (9-5-2-1) home-bred ran a career best at this distance on Jan. 4th at Aqueduct, and it's noted that John Velazquez takes the ride.