Top pick: #6 (NIHILIST) - Excellent debut saw her break sharply, set a solid pace, and hold on gamely to finish second, beaten a 1/2 length. On the sidelines since that early Sept. effort, she's working very fast and looks all set off almost a five month vacation.
2nd pick: #7 (Lady Vivien) - Daughter of "Posse" was heavily backed when debuting at Emerald Downs on Sept. 11 and after being involved in a race long pace-duel she came up a neck short. Northwest regular Vann Belvoir has her working sharply and 3-year-old is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Salt Tequila Lime) - Grey filly by "Roman Ruler" is working fast for her debut and trainer Bob Baffert wins at a steady 28% rate with first-time starters. Mike Pegram home-bred has Marty Garcia aboard (Baffert's main jockey).