Top pick: #1a (VONA) (6-5) - The probable favorite, gelding pressed and tired to check-in third here at this trip when facing much tougher special weights April 2nd. Good effort came off a two month freshening and trainer Pat Reynolds drops this $275K 2-year-old purchase into a claimer for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Samurai Assault) (6-1) - He just failed here as a heavy favorite when racing for half this price on April 6th. It was his first after coming from Santa Anita and 3-year-old was claimed that day by Randi Persaud. Capable if he holds his form off the barn change.
3rd pick: #7 (Tony D) (5-1) - "Tony's" form has regressed in his last pair following a pair of sharp efforts racing for twice this price. He draws a nice outside post at this trip and can factor if he reverses his downward spiral.
4th pick: #2 (Brendan G) (4-1) - "Brendan" has a fine overall record of 10-0-6-2 and speed/stalker is dropping back down in class. He's the probable second choice and should be involved from start-to-finish.