Top Pick: #8 Journalism (3/1) - Competitive Journalism has won four straight races, coming off a victory in the 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby four weeks ago. His style (a stalking horse) and results are impressive, and he is well-suited for this crowded field. This long-striding colt has showcased tactical advantages, not going for the lead until hitting the homestretch. Trailing Baeza and Citizen Bull at Santa Anita, Journalism turned it on and won by a three-quarter-length margin. Sired by Curlin, Journalism will be ridden by Umberto Rispoli, who has been atop for three of those victories. Getting the post further inside than the two biggest speed threats is another advantage.
2nd Pick: #7 Luxor Cafe (15-1) - A horse sired by Triple Crown champ American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe comes over from Japan, winning four straight races. Jockey Joao Moreira is an acclaimed overseas champion with multiple decades of international expertise. This horse has exhibited the tactical speed needed to get a good position for the final quarter-mile stretch and a late burst of foot to be in the running.
3rd Pick: #17 Sandman (10-1) - Tapit sired this long-striding 3-year-old colt and is a seasoned competitor with nine career starts, including three at Churchill Downs. Pacing early and showing a late burst will serve this horse well. Sandman got off to a bad start in the Southwest Stakes and still finished second, rallied late for third in the Rebel Stakes, and the last time out won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby by 2 1/2 lengths. Jockey Jose Ortiz led that victory and will be atop again.
4th Pick: #9 Burnham Square (12-1) - In four straight races, all on dirt and over a mile, this 3-year-old gelding has three victories, including the last time out finishing with a burst in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes. Drawing the #9 position is a plus for this lighter-framed horse that likes to come from back in the pack with late closing power. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who rode last year's Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, is aboard.