Top pick: #6 (OUR MERV) - Irish import finished third of 11 when debuting at Newbury in England on Sept. 16. Working well for his first on this side of the "pond" and he's now in the powerful barn of Mike Mitchell, who wins at a 34% rate with new arrivals and at the same perentage off of long layoffs. Lasix is added and colt can take this at a nice price.
2nd pick: #2 (The Roan Ranger) - He stayed on the inside and rallied up the hedge to finish third at this level and distance Dec. 31. He was a 1/2 length back of this afternoon's rical "Chickie" that day, but believe he has more room for improvement. Stretch threat.
3rd pick: #5 (Chickie Charms) - Speed/stalker has run well in all three grass starts incliding a pair of second-place finishes at this often tricky 6.5 furlong trip going "down the hill". Son of "Rockport Harbor" should be involved from start to finish.
4th pick: #7 (Smoking G) - Grey gelding by "Smoke Glacken" has some speed and finished fourth at this level racing at Hollywood Park on Dec. 10. Freshened-up since then by trainer Pete Miller, he's working nicely and has been heavily backed in both outings.