Top pick: #3 (NEKOMATA) (9-5) - The probable favorite, she's finished second in two of three since being claimed by the high percentage Julio Cartagena on April 5th for $10K. Both of those were on the dirt, the latest coming here at this $15K claiming price on June 26th. Daughter of "Tale of the Cat" meets a weak field and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Onemoretimeagain) (7-2) - Lightly-raced Maryland-bred has some speed and finished a pace-chasing second to a "much the best" winner at this leval at Pimlico May 16th. In her latest, she tired after racing up close to fast fractions at Penn National for a $25K tag June 14th. Drops back down and it's nice to see Dan Centeno aboard in this 3-year-old's local debut.
3rd pick: #5 (Vivaco) (5-2) - Florida-bred by "Wilko" has been competitive in five straight starts and will be shipping in from Charles Town where she finished fourth of nine, beaten just under 4 lengths facing special weights on June 21st. She's 4-0-1-3 running at this level and has some early speed.
4th pick: #4 (Podarok) (6-1) - Lightly-raced filly will be cutting back in distance after racing in a trio of two-turn races that were all switched to the main-track due to weather related issues. May grab a small share with her best.