Top pick: #1 (EX PIRATE) (3-1) - Glen Hill home-bred has been bet in each of his four starts and comes here from Tampa Bay Downs where he ran second at this distance when facing special weights on Dec. 21. Nice effort came off almost a three month layoff, he's worked since, drops down, and draws the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Valid Concept) (8-1) - He's finished second and third in his last pair on this surface, both at this $35K claiming tag. He had a tough post last out, draws better today, and is a factor with his best.
3rd pick: #3 (Ack Rider) (4-1) - Away slowly in his debut from a tough post (14) he improved his position and checked in 6th of 14, beaten 8 lengths. In a top barn (Chad Brown 20% second-time out) he drops him way down and gelding has a much better post.
4th pick: #2 (Tappintothemusic) (10-1) - He's bred for grass success ("Tapit") and will move to the infield off a Pete Walder claim. Longshot has a nice post, a bit of early speed, and can factor at a big price.