Top pick: #8 (ARKANSAS JOE) - "Joe" has run well in his last two starts following a 4th place finish when debuting at Gulfstream Feb 11th on a sloppy track. Last out he finished 3rd of 10, beaten a length racing here at this level and distance April 27th. Effort came off a 7 week freshening and he's come back with a solid half-mile breeze at Saratoga a week ago. Draws a fine post and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Desert Storm) - Son of "Tiznow" cost the high profile WinStar farm $440K when purchased as a weanling back in 2009 and comes into this off a 7 week break from trainer Bill Mott. 3yo missed by a 1/2 length April 7th at Aqueduct racing at this level and distance. By far his best and it came when blinkers went on for the first time. He's worked 5 times since April 18th and appears set for another big effort.
3rd pick: #4 (He Ain't Bluffing) - Heavily bet when debuting Jan 15th at Gulfstream, 4yo was involved in a pace duel and held to finish a close-up 3rd racing at this one turn mile. Working fast at Saratoga for his return and trainer Rick Dutrow adds the "hood". Barn wins at an incredible 43% rate 2nd time out and Dominguez is aboard on the re-ride.