Top pick: #4 (MR PADRE) (3-1) - If you subtract his two turf starts, this gelding has been razor sharp in both dirt races at this level since returning from a 3 1/2 month layoff in early Nov. He was a gate-to-wire winner going a mile Nov. 23, and last out was beaten a neck here at this level and trip on Jan. 1. Gets the call in a competitive contest.
2nd pick: #6 (Notis Sal) (6-1) - Very consistent sort moves up in class after a pair of sharp efforts here facing weaker. In a winning barn (Bill Lavanway)and this speed/stalker enters this in career best form.
3rd pick: #8 (Mint Humor) (8-1) - He's raced evenly in two straight at this level, but has a pair of sharp works showing since he last ran on Dec. 4. In a good barn (Bob Diodoro) and you get a top trainer at expected long odds.
5th pick: #2 (Loveinthelimelight) (7-2) - Speedy sort has been sharp in his last pair and after battling through fast fractions last out he tired slightly to check in third of seven, beaten 1 1/2 lengths by "Padre" for the place spot. Lightly-raced 6-year-old should be involved from gate to wire.