Top pick: #4 (BELLE ROYALE) - Hard-hitting Irish-bred mare had a solid career in the British Isles going (24-8-7-0) and before heading to North America she won three in a row last summer/fall over male opposition. Runs off a 6 1/2 month break, but she's won off of layoffs in the past and will have lasix added today. The presence of trainer Simon Callaghan's go-to rider (Joel Rosario) is noted.
2nd pick: #7 (Briecat) - Very speedy filly has been tiring facing tougher and trainer Vlad Cerin has freshened her up since Feb. 20. Working well for her return and this is her favorite trip on the grass (7-2-2-0).
3rd pick: #8 (Gem of Soul) - Brazilian import was an easy winner at this distance when making her North American debut March 8th in an entry-level allowance. Race was her firt in four months and came when trainer A.C. Avila added blinkers. We'll find out a lot more about her talent level today.