Top pick: #3 (FLEA HOP) - Heavily backed in both his starts he chased and tired at Laurel in his debut then was a handy winner here Dec. 26 to get his initial victory. Good barn (Mike Pino) brings him back quickly and drops him slightly in price for his first start facing winners. Leading rider Carmouche stays put and this colt will be tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #1 (Rummer) - Ships down from New York, and takes a big drop in price off nearly a two month layoff. Has the rail, is in a good barn, has some speed, and is a threat if he runs. He's part of a Rudy Rodriguez trained entry and its possible only one will run.
3rd pick: #1a (Brigadier General) - The second half of the Rodriguez entry will have his price cut in half and he'll shorten up in distance for his second start back off a 2 1/2 month layoff. Can contend for the win if he runs.