Top pick: #2 (HOPE AFFIRMED) - Well-bred filly (Strong Hope) Was claimed March 19th by Ramon Preciado for $15K and was freshened up for 7 weeks by the sharp barn. Four-year-old returned on May 7th at the purchase price and after pressing the pace she weakened slightly to run third. Solid effort and today they drop her below the claimed level and she's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Galicista) - Argentine-bred has improved noticeably since a claim by Bob Reid on March 12th and has won two of three since that time. Speed/stalker won a starter-allowance last out to pick-up her second win and is dropped back into a claimer for her first try at this 3l condition. She should be in this from start to finish.