Top pick: #9 (ADMIRED) (2-1) - The probable favorite, wonderful filly has gone (6-5-1-0) since being purchased privately late in 2012 by the very successful team of owner Billy Hays and trainer Joe Woodard. At home on either conventional dirt or "poly," she ships in from Mountaineer Park where she was a winner at this level May 17th. Speed/stalker has won on similar surfaces at both Arlington and Turfway Park and should win another if she holds her present form.
2nd pick: #8 (Awesome and Wild) (6-1) - Veteran mare doesn't win very often (42-3-11-6), but has faced tougher most of her career and finished second here at this level going 5.5 furlongs just two weeks ago. Fine effort came off an eight month layoff and she's done well on synthetic courses over her racing days (14-2-5-5). The extra furlong she travels today along with a nice outside post are both in her favor.
3rd pick: #4 (Moon Over Parador) (3-1) - Consistent mare is one of those rare horses that have won on conventional dirt, grass, and "poly" over her career (36-9-10-9). The distance and level are fine, and one-run type has gone (11-2-4-1) here in the past. In the win mix.
4th pick: #10 (Kellville) (10-1) - Solid performer ships in from Thistledown and will be going dirt to "poly" for trainer Becky Baker. One-run type was a winner here at this level and distance in late July and mare had a bullet 3-furlong breeze in Cleveland before shipping in. Can impact at a big price.