Top pick: #4 (RAISING TIMBER) - Races off a four-month layoff and in a claimer for the first time. Fine barn (Kelly Breen) has him working well and names Joe Bravo his main-rider in New Jersey and the combo wins at a 26% rate. The top pick.
2nd pick: #3 (Trois Desir ) - Son of "Smart Strike" was claimed in early Nov. by Mike Maker for $30,000 and after a ialed effort facing tougher in his first for the new barn was has been given a six-week freshening. Working fine and he drops back in for a tag. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1a (Precious Beans) - He's part of a Stanley Gold trained entry. Gelding has been away a long time (Feb. 29, 2009) but will be racing in a claimer off the layoff and his works at Calder indicate he's ready. Late threat.