Top pick: #3 (BEMATA) (8-1) - Grey gelding is one of two entered by trainer Steve Asmussen and the pair race uncoupled. He's won two in a row here sprinting and was especially sharp last out when lasix was added in his first off an Asmussen claim. Like his chances, and at a square price.
2nd pick: #4 (Western Sadler) (12-1) - The second of the Asmussen pair, he was a good-looking maiden winner here at this distance on March 29th. Race was his first in blinkers and it's nice to see that Raf Bejarano (who's in for the "Derby") takes the mount.
3rd pick: #1 (Malibu High) (4-1) - Lightly-raced son of "Malibu Moon" has been competitive in three of his four starts and last out rallied to finish third here in a sprint stakes on March 2nd. Has the rail and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Get Happy Mister) (6-1) - The probable main speed, he was undefeated (4-for-4) last year at Arapahoe Park and was sold privately last fall. Stretch out sprinter is working fast and will take them as far as he can. Dangerous.
5th pick: #9 (Balance of Power) (12-1) - He's won two in a row at Tampa Bay Downs, is lightly raced, and stalker takes a big step up in class this afternoon.