Top pick: #6 (SHACKBAMALAMA) (8-5) - He had to be sent hard in his first pair and has tired late after being involved in spirited speed-duels. Colt dras a nice outside post in this small field and that should let jockey Marty Pedroza rate him a bit more kindly. Also helping with that aspect,trainer Mike Pender removes this 3yo's blinkers.
2nd pick: #2 (Moreno's Mine) (2-1) - He returns off a 7 month layoff and will race in a claimer for the first time. Working both fast and frequently, colt showed fine early speed in all three starts last summer.
3rd pick: #1 (D J Malone) (3-1) - Debuting gelding is working nicely and is by an above average sire "Stormy Atlantic" with first-time-starters. In the O'Neill barn, and a threat if ready.