Top pick: #1 (MARIA LAKE) - Speedy filly chased a very fast pace before tiring facing much tougher here Feb. 7. Race was her first off a 7 week break and only her second since last April. Trainer Kevin Lewis drops her into a career soft spot and she draws the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (DeNada) - She rallied mildly to finish 3rd last out in the same race as "Maria", but that filly did some tough work up front before weakening. Speed/stalker is in a winning barn and is a candidate for the top prize.