Top pick: #2 (MR Z) (4-1) - If not for a series of narrow defeats last year in rich and important stakes, this hard-hitter may have been 2-year-old champ. Like many from the barn of Wayne Lukas, this colt seems to thrive on activity. He's finished third in both starts this year and misbehaved in one and had a tough post in the other. In shape and Lukas removes blinkers for this attempt. Has a solid shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #6 (War Story) (9-2) - Talented and lightly raced, he's managed to go 4-2-2-0 despite breaking poorly in all his starts. He's finished second to today's rival 'International Star' in his last pair and is working very fast for this attempt. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Stanford) (8-1) - Speedy son of 'Malibu Moon' ships in from Gulfstream where he finished a pace-setting second to stable-mate 'Materiality' who is one of the favorites in today's Florida Derby. Working fast, he draws the rail, and is part of the always loaded 3-year-old barn of Todd Pletcher.
4th pick: #9 (International Star) (3-1) - Strong finisher has won both local preps for this rich 'Derby.' He rallied to win the Le Comte (G3) on Jan 17, then took the Risen Star (G2) on Feb 21. The type that can run all day, he'll have no problem handling this longer distance.
5th pick: #5 (A Day in Paradise) (12-1) - Speed/stalker ships back from Sam Houston Downs where he easily won a minor stakes as a heavy favorite on Feb 28. Improving, but believe a small slice at a big price is his ceiling.