Top pick: #1 (GIFTED RULER) (5-2) - The probable favorite, lightly-raced grey colt has the best early speed, drops in class, draws the rail, and runs second back from an eight week break. Trainer Tom Proctor gives the home-bred 4-year-old a rider upgrade and all things look in place.
2nd pick: #5 (To the Stars) (3-1) - Gelding has raced evenly in both starts at this meet for a $40K tag. Fits nicely on the drop in price and he's going third off a seven week freshening. Win candidate this afternoon.
3rd pick: #7 (Scorpion Al) (4-1) - Home-bred has a speed/stalking style and has finished second in his last two outings here. Five-year-old should be involved from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #3 (Gridiron Great) (5-1) - Long-time maiden has finished second in three of 11 grass starts and last out ran second in a 7-furlong contest at this tag that was switched "off the turf." Should factor against this group.