Top pick: #1 (COACH A.J.) (2-1) - He's one of two multiple winners trying this first-level allowance condition and colt missed by a nose here on a muddy surface at this condition on Jan. 28. He has the rail, plenty of speed, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Intrepid Citizen) (7-2) - "Triple Crown" nominee was a sharp come from behind winner when debuting on Jan. 16 at Laurel. Solid performance came on a sloppy surface and this "Team Valor" 3-year-old's effort looked even better when the 2nd place finisher broke his maiden next out.
3rd pick: #2 (Freud's Vale) (5-1) - The field's other two-time winner broke his maiden on the Woodbine "poly" on Dec. 15. then won here at this level on Jan. 21. That recent local win was his first race on real dirt and first off a private trainer change to Scot lake. Dont just dismiss.
4th pick: #3 (Captain Derek) (4-1) - Gelding tries hard every time and last out he finished third here on Jan. 28 and was 4 back of "Coach." Stretch runner will need some pace help for anything more than a minor award.