Top pick: #1 (SURFACANT) - Gelding ships from So. California where he was competitive facing "open" company in a pair of starts on Hollywood's all-weather-surface. 3yr.old stopped off at Turfway Park for a pair of sharp works before heading here and this runner is in a sharp barn (Mike Maker). Has the rail, good early speed, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Sound of Drums) - He finished a "troubled" 6th of 11 when debuting in a sprint on this surface on Jan.8th. Bred to like longer distances and trainer Jim Bond likes to take his time with his stock. Gelding by "Fusaichi Pegasus" has a nice gate drill here 8 days ago and he can contend today at a nice price.
3rd pick: #7 (Mr. Hopps) - Another who's bred to go longer and that's what trainer Rick Violette will do with this son of "Pleasant Tap" this afternoon. Has some early speed and he should be competitive in this two-turn contest.