Top pick: #8 (NATURALISTE) - Heavily bet in both starts he was claimed out of his debut by trainer Doug O'Neill for $20K and after a three month freshening he finished a close-up third at Santa Anita going 5 furlongs on April 17th. Barn brings him back quickly for this, he stretches-out in distance, and makes back-to-back starts for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Popular Cause) - Son of "Orientate" has been a disappointment after showin some talent when he first came to the races. Drops down some more, has fine early speed, and is working fast on this surface for this attempt. Win candidate today.
3rd pick: #9 (Quietly Waiting) - He finished third last out at this price at Santa Anita and has been competitive on this surface in the past. However, this is start No. 23 and he may need cheaper to get his first win.