Top pick: #7 (THUNDERGRAM) (3-1) - Colt enters with by far the best last race "figure" of those that have raced. He just failed to hold on after setting the pace in a contest at this level and distance at Churchill on Nov. 7 and has been working fast since coming here. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Hi Speed Chase) (6-1) - Stretch-out sprinter has tired in both starts to date, but was forced to set quick fractions while under pressure. He runs off a seven week break and has a new trainer (Ed Plesa Jr) 24% with new stock in the barn.
3rd pick: #5 (Palace Gate) (8-1) - Son of "Giant's Causeway" had trouble at the start, but did well to rally to finish fourth on the Belmont turf when debuting on Oct. 24. Trainer Todd Pletcher moves him to the grass (30% by the barn), for start #2 (36%).
4th pick: #12 (Long Water) (5-1) - Darley home-bred has been in Florida for a bit over a month and has a quartet of published drills at Palm Meadows. He's shown some ability in his first three starts and can factor, but has a very difficult post today in this two-turn maiden contest.
5th pick: #3 (Nagaza) (4-1) - Colt by "Successful Appeal" rallied to miss by a "neck" when debuting here in a 6-furlong sprint at this level on Oct. 27. Stretches out this afternoon, but needs to do much better to threaten the top choice.