Top pick: #4 (POTUS) (7-5) - He chased a pair of talented runners last out and tired late to finish fourth at this level and distance Jan. 17. Grey gelding was racing for the first time 2 1/2 months and faces a sub-par field for the condition. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Papa Tom) (5-2) - He didn't break sharply from a rail post sprinting just eight days ago and after dropping back he made a wide run to finish a well-beaten third. Home-bred colt had been much sharper in his previous three races and will be stretching back out around two turns.
3rd pick: #5 (Bob and Jim) (5-1) - Lightly-raced colt stalked and tired after attempting a bid here at this level Jan. 27. Race was only his second back off a seven month layoff and was his first around two-turns. Think he can factor today.
4th pick: #6 (Van Tassel) (12-1) - He had some promise back in 2011, but was sent in for a 13 month layoff in Dec. of that year and did not race until this past Dec. 30. He showed little in that sprint, but no doubt needed the start. Working fine since, and trainer Graham Motion stretches him out in distance today.