Top pick: #6 (NATALIE'S ACADEMY) - The probable favorite, she showed excellent early speed facing special weights in three 2011 appearances. Working fast locally for her first race since Sept. 4, trainer Mike Machowsky drops her into a claimer for the first time, and Raf Bejarano is aboard today. The jockey has won with six of his last 14 when riding for the barn.
2nd pick: #7 (Warren's Mo Money) - Home-bred has run well in all four appearances and last out finished third here at this level in her first race in 6 1/2 months. Working fast since that fine return effort and a win candidate today.
3rd pick: #8 (Patty's Pulpit) - Drops into a claimer and goes turf to dirt after an even effort facing special weights going "down the hill" here March 2nd. Working fine for this and the drop down should make her competitive this afternoon.