Top Pick: #2 Thebabeslayer (6-1) - This 3-year-old colt was stretched out to 1 1/8-miles the last time out and struggled at the Bathhouse Row Stakes. Getting back to one mile is a fine comfort zone, finishing first, third, second, and third at this distance.
2nd Pick: #5 Proton (9-5) - After winning the Laurel Futurity Stakes in September, Proton finished second twice and fourth once in three straight races at one mile. At the Columbia Stakes, Proton was second behind favored Alpyland and ahead of co-favorite Congressional.
3rd Pick: #3 Zihnal (6-1) - Excellent speed figures to be in the running despite inexperience. Only one race on the docket, finishing fourth in a Santa Anita Maiden Special Weight.