Top pick: #6 (PANTHRO) - The probable favorite ships up from Gulfstream where he ran an excellent pace-chasing 3rd facing much tougher "open" company on Dec. 24. Race was his first since August 8th when he debuted at Saratoga. Trainer Stanley Hough ships him up and has him in with fellow New York-breds on a quick turnaround (21 days). Son of "Discreet Cat" worked at Palm Meadows on Jan. 7 before heading north and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #10 (Officerandafoose) - Speedy colt missed by a neck here on Dec. 17 racing at this level and distance. Improving, has a sharp workout on Jan. 7, and Contessa replaces Espinoza with Dominguez.
3rd pick: #7 (Quiet Eyes) - Interesting runner finished 6 lengths back of "Officer" last out, but had a lot of trouble at the break and improved his position late. Has a pair of bullet drills since and he'll run much better in this spot. Dont' just ignore.
4th pick: #4 (Readthebyline) - He split "Officer" and "Eyes" last out in a good effort and it was his first race in 4 months. He's worked three times since and may grab a small slice.