Top pick: #1 (MUCHO MACHO) - Claimed in early Dec by Ramon Preciado for $25,000, he gave this gelding by "Macho Uno" a 2 1/2 month freshening and he responded with a sharp second place finish running at the purchase price Feb. 25, then race evenly at this level last out. Draws the rail and runs third off the layoff. Can win this at a nice price.
2nd pick: #8 (Southern Spirit) - Probable heavy favorite finished a pace-chasing third last out at this level and was beaten only by a length. Race was his first in two months and he's very much a win candidate and would be no surprise, albeit at a small price.
3rd pick: #5 (Sir Dance a Lot) - Lightly raced and still improving, he won easily last out at this level going 7 furlongs and will cut back an 1/8th today. Must be left in the mix.