Top pick: #4 (C.C'S PAL) - Talented and relatively lightly raced, she chased the pace and tired last out in a $50K stakes here Jan. 29 going 7 furlongs. Race was her first in three months and she may have needed it badly. Trainer Derek Ryan had her work a bullet half-mile Feb. 20 and names the leading rider at this meet (Dan Centeno) to ride. Four-year-old will stretch-out in distance - something she's done well at in the past, (5-1-3-1) and she catches a field without much other speed. She can upset the presumed favorite No. 9 "Choragus".
2nd pick: #9 (Choragus) - The probable favorite has closed strongly to finish second and third in a pair of stakes here this winter and trainer Tony Reinstedler will stretch her out in distance this afternoon. Veteran mare finished second in this stakes last winter and her connections have followed the same path for this attempt. She'd be no surprise.
3rd pick: #2 (Striking Dancer) - A rare individual as she's equally proficient on turf, dirt, and synthetic surfaces. In-shape, has the rail, and she should be finishing fast. Sharp trainer (Ken McPeek) sends her up from Gulfstream and six-year-old has a fast work before getting on the van.