Top pick: #11 (TRAGEDY'S TRIUMPH) (8-1) - Stretch-out sprinter has finished second in all three starts, two of which were scheduled for the grass and switched to the main-track. Stalker runs second off a 2 1/2 month layoff and has been working fast at Churchill for this attempt.
2nd pick: #12 (Rock Hard Cat) (4-1) - Another stretching out, but last afall she raced evenly when turning a two-turn distance for the first time. She ships in from Churchill where she's finished third in a pair of sprints and looks set for a big effort.
3rd pick: #1a (Best Gift Ever) (3-1) - Improving noticeably since switching to the grass, filly has finished second in two straight here at this level and distance. She has a strong late kick and last out was only beaten a head.
4th pick: #8 (French Lick) (6-1) - Daughter of "Malibu Moon" cost $400K and has proven a major disappointment. She was improving a bit heading into her latest and had some serious traffic issues that day. Can factor, and you get the barn of Tom Proctor at a square price for a change.
5th pick: #5 (Catbird Seat) (8-1) - Barn (Vicky Oliver) has good stock but is having a very tough year (1 for 49). Home-bred filly showed good speed and held well here at this distance June 19th and runs third back (often a horse's best)off a six month layoff.