Top pick: #2 (FOREST PATH) (2-1) - The probable favorite, she lost a heartbreaker last out when she set a quick pace and was nailed in the last two strides. That came facing cheaper in her first back from a half-year's absence and filly has now been competitive in all three local appearances. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Xpressly Mine) (12-1) - Lightly raced mare pressed and tired here on May 12th racing for a $7,500 tag and was claimed that day by owner/trainer Wayne Rice. Race was her first in 7 1/2 months and the new barn brings her back in 10 days and moves her up in price.
3rd pick: #5 (Aredhel) (5-2) - She hasn't raced since early Nov. when she broke her maiden at Mountaineer Park on real dirt. Home-bred has improved since coming from California last summer. A threat if ready, and she has a sharp 5 furlong local drill on May 13th.
4th pick: #1 (Maid for Joe) (3-) - Lightly raced, 3-year-old tired badly here facing tougher on May 12th in his first start since Oct. 6. Daughter of "Lion Heart" is brought back quickly by trainer Gerald Brooks and takes a big drop in class.