Top Pick: #2 Sovereignty (2-1) - Sovereignty has the extra rest after skipping the Preakness. It was Sovereignty, Journalism, and Baeza in the thrilling Kentucky Derby finish, and here they are again. Sovereignty won at 1 1/4 miles, after finishing second in the Florida Derby. Fatigue is a factor that can't be ignored in this race and distance, and Sovereignty has smartly avoided that.
2nd Pick: #7 Journalism (8-5) - This super-talented horse has maintained an edge, losing a close one to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby, then battling on two weeks' rest in the Preakness. Journalism made up five lengths on Gosger and bulled his way through several horses for an impressive win. Still, the grueling pace is a lot to ask, plus the track conditions may be sloppy with rain expected.
3rd Pick: #6 Baeza (4-1) - Baeza was great at the Santa Anita Derby (second) and the Kentucky Derby (third), but had the misfortune to go against a pair of powerhouse stallions in their prime. Baeza is good enough to be right in the thick of it again.