Top pick: #4 (MEI LING) (4-1) - One of many well-bred and expensive fillies entered, she rallied while wide to finish second at Aqueduct going 6.5-furlongs April 4th. It was her first back off a pair of layoffs and she's worked fast since. She ran second twice here last fall at this level and trip and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Kate Greenaway) (6-1) - Darley home-bred by "Tiznow" tired while running a bit "greenly" when debuting in the same April 4th race that "Mei Ling" exits. She was 2 1/2 lengths back of her at the finish and she's in a barn (Kiaran McLaughlin) that is very strong second time out (29). He also adds lasix (31%) and stretches her out in distance (26%).
3rd pick: #1a (Gasparilla Inn) (5-2) - Part of a "Shug" McGaughey trained entry and with Joe Bravo listed on both halves only one will go. Phipp's home-bred rallied to finish third after a slow start when debuting at Gulfstream going 6-furlongs on March 2nd. Working steadily since, daughter of "Street Cry" is bred to love this longer distance.
4th pick: #2 (Make It Anywhere) (3-1) - Daughter of "Empire Maker" is working nicely for her first since March 1st when she was beaten only two lengths in a turf contest at Gulfstream. Four-year-old was competitive here at this trip on the dirt a year ago and trainer Chad Brown wins at a solid 29% rate second off of long layoffs.