Top pick: #10 (CITY COOL) - Experienced stakes performer ship back east after winning a stakes at Sunland Park in late Dec., then running well in one of two starts at Santa Anita. Stalker has been freshened-up for the past two months by trainer Steve Asmussen and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Saracen) - Recent maiden winner has improved in each trip to the post for trainer Bret Calhoun. He stalked early in his maiden win, bid when asked, and drew off to a 3 1/2 length win in fast time. Can contend at a nice price.
3rd pick: #3 (Elusive Deputy) - Colt by "Elusive Quality" was a sharp wire-to-wire winner in his debut here 26 days ago and will take a big step up in this spot. In an excellent barn (Tim Ritchey) and this grey speedster has come back with a bullet work from the gate 5 days ago. Interesting entrant.