Top Pick: #6. Commandment (6-1) - Sired by Into Mischief, Commandment has been impressive as a closer, rallying from the back of the field. This high-speed horse won the Grade 1 Florida Derby in a worst-to-first rally, plus won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. Shows impressive versatility and a drive to win close battles.
2nd Pick: #9 The Puma (10-1) - The son of Essential Quality won the Tampa Bay Derby, then finished second the last time out to Commandment in the Grade 1 Florida Derby in a photo finish. In four starts, he's held his own with Commandment, Renegade, Further Ado, and Chief Wallabee. His Beyer Speed Figures have gone from 83 to 94 to 100.
3rd Pick: #18 Further Ado (6-1) - Four straight wins for this horse, including the Grade 1 Blue Grass the last time out by 11½ lengths. Sired by Gun Runner, jockey John Velazquez will ride, who won the 2017 Kentucky Derby riding Always Dreaming.
4th Pick: #1 Renegade (4-1) - Renegade has finished first twice and second twice in the last four races, including winning the Arkansas Derby at 1 1/8-miles the last time out. Tougher competition, the longest race yet, and drawing the No. 1 position all make it challenging for the favorite.