Top pick: #8 (STRASBOURG) - One of two entered in today's finale by trainer Steve Asmussen and the pair race uncoupled. Santa Anita invader had some real promise early in his career but had a serious injury keep him out of action for 15 months and he hasn't won in 4 starts since coming back. Fits with these, and if he has any ability left, he'll win this.
2nd pick: #11 (Basalt) - The 2nd of the Asmussen pair, he has speed/stalking ability and finished 2nd at this level two back before tiring a bit in his latest. In shape, has a flexible style, and he draws a nice outside post.
3rd pick: #1 (Grand Prelude) - Runs 3rd back off a half-year's absence and he improved noticeably last out in his 2nd back. Has the rail, fine early speed, and is in a winning barn (Steve Hobby).
4th pick: #6 (Jerry n Elvis) - Lightly raced and speedy he finished 2nd last out facing weaker, but is just now returning to form following a pair of layoffs. Last April, when breaking his maiden here, he earned the hightest figure any of these has ever run.