Top pick: #3 (ROMANTIC JULIET) (5-2) - She just missed here at this level on Dec. 22 in what was her first local start and first off a 3 1/2 momth layoff. Grey filly has back class, is in a good barn (Tony Sano), and the second leading rider at this long session (Angel Serpa) is back aboard.
2nd pick: #2 (Sheza Special Gal) (4-1) - She showed good early speed before tiring in the same last race as "Juliet" and this mare by "Lion Heart" was racing off a 4 1/2 month break. Speedy sort should be involved every step.
3rd pick: #11 (Storming Wildcat) (6-1) - She goes turf to dirt and races first off a claim by owner/trainer Gary House and a subsequent five month layoff. Her grass form is solid, but she's raced poorly in her two previous dirt appearances.