Top pick: #7 (LADY SAXONY) (2-1) - Veteran mare battled early, took a clear lead, then was beaten in the last two strides May 17th when racing at this level. It was her first start in almost 8-months and she's now gone 5-3-1-1 in her last five local starts when racing at this $5000 price tag. Speed/stalker is from a fine barn (Larry Reed) and he has leading rider Tony Gallardo back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #5 (Happy Wac) (5-2) - Old timer just failed to hold on racing here at this level May 17th. It was her second back from a 7 1/2 month layoff and ran her record at Presque Isle to 38-8-5-6. 10-year-old proved last out that she still likes to compete and should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #4 (Queen of Heat) (8-1) - Mare has some quick works showing on this surface for her first race since Dec 18. Very fast from the gate when in shape, and can be competitive at a big price if that's the case.
4th pick: #1 (Black Jack Girl) (5-1) - Mare exits the same May 17th local contest as 'Happy Wac.' Racing off a 7 1/2 month layoff, she set a pressured pace and tired late to finish fourth, 3 1/2 back of that rival. She has the rail and should factor with normal second back improvement.