Top pick: #4 (REAL HEAT) (9-2) - Price play has had very wide trips in his last pair after breaking from tough posts. He draws much better this afternoon and was beaten a 1/2 length on Feb. 7 at Santa Anita the last time he had a good trip. Trainer Eric Kruljac removes this gelding's blinkers after a trio of starts and with Raf Bejarano at Churchill, he gives a "leg up" to Jeff Talamo.
2nd pick: #13 (Warren's Nicholas) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he rallied into a fast pace to finish second at this level at Santa Anita April 7th. Overall it was the best last race of any entered and trainer Jorge Gutierrez has worked him twice since. Win candidate, but he draws a tough post and will be a short price.
3rd pick: #11 (Unusual Lover) (6-1) - Trainer Mark Glatt has freshened him up since March 15th after this colt finished fourth at this level racing at Santa Anita earlier this year. Working fine for his return, and a threat with his best.
4th pick: #7 (Red Globe) (7-2) - Blinkers go on this very lightly raced Harris Farm's home-bred and last out he rallied to finish fifth of eight, beaten just over two lengths at Santa Anita March 15th. The quicker the fractions, the better his prospects.
5th pick: #9 (Gentlemen Pete) (15-1) - The field's most experienced runner, home-bred is (7-0-1-3) on the grass and has done well here (2-0-1-1) in the past. Can grab a share at a big price.