Top pick: #6 Far Bridge (6-1) - This 4-year-old colt has had some growing pains but has blossomed recently. Far Bridge won the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic in September at this distance, coming from off-the-pace under jockey Joel Rosario. At the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes in August, Far Bridge (8-to-1 odds) pulled the upset with a change of tactics. Far Bridge bounded right out to the front early by Rosario, who will be atop in this one. In five Grade 1 races, Far Bridge has three victories, one third, and one fifth-place finish.
Second Pick: #11 Rebels Romance (5-2) - Rebels Romance won this Breeders' Cup Turf two years ago. In five races in 2024, this 6-year-old gelding has won four times, including three Grade 1 competitions. Rebels Romance won the Grade 1 Preis von Europa in Germany in September. This will be his sixth start in five different countries.
Third Pick: #3 Shahryar (5-1) - Shahryar has finished second, fifth, third, and second in its last four races at this distance. The last time out, Shahryar finished second to high-powered Rebel's Romance at the Grade 1 Dubai Sheema Classic at 1 1/2 miles.