Top pick: #8 (INDEPENDENT LADY) - Improving filly has finished second in both starst since being claimed by Ramon Preciado on Nov. 16. Latest came facing state-bred special weights on Dec. 31 and she'll race against "open" maidens in this spot. Gets the call in a wide open affair.
2nd pick: #2 (Ebony Run) - Marew has good early speed, breaks near the rail, and last out five weeks ago she finished a close-up third at this level. She should be involved in the running from gate to wire.
3rd pick: #9 (Sweetjudyblue Eyes) - Grey filly by "Two Punch" finished second in three of four starts last spring/summer racing on the Presque Isle "poly" and ran evenly here after "stumbling" at the start at this level Dec. 31 when she finished 8 back of "Lady". Race was her first on real dirt, she's woked nicely since, and is a win candidate at a nice price.