Top pick: #1 (RULE) - Lightly raced and talented colt looks all set in his third start back off a long layoff to get to the winner's circle. He was considered to be a Derby contender last year at this time but was injured shortly after finishing third here in the Florida Derby (G1) almost a year ago and did not race again until finishing a strong second in the Hal's Hope S.(G3) here on Jan. 8. Last out he may have been best as he was forced to race wide the entire trip before checking-in a close-up 3rd in the G1 Donn here on Feb. 5. He's worked three time since and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Soaring Empire) - He's always been highly thought of and earlier this year defeated Rule in the Hal's Hope at today's one mile distance. Last out he broke well behind the field in the 7 furlong Gulfstream Sprint Championship (G2) and put in a furious late rally that saw him fall short as he ran second. Son of "Empire Maker" has a bullet drill Feb. 28 and he's a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #6 (Tizway) - He's what was known year's ago as a "miler" as that denoted a runner who had to run hard every step in what is essentially an elongated sprint (at this one turn distance). Working nicely at Palm Meadows for his first race since the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and this professional stalker should get a solid pace to rally into. Dangerous with his best.