Top pick: #2 (ULTIMATE EAGLE ) - We knew he was a good horse on both turf and "poly" heading into the Strub Stakes (G2) here going 9 furlongs on Feb. 4, but he was making his all important first start on the dirt that day. Colt by "Mizzen Mast" passed the test with "flying colors" when he reported home by just over 7 lengths earning a career best figure. Tough to beat with a repeat of it.
2nd pick: #12 (Holladay Road) - Lightly raced 7-year-old likes this surface (6-3-1-0) and Cal-bred won a $100K stakes for fellow state-breds on Jan. 28. Strong finisher is working fast for this assignment and he would benefit if the pace is fast/and or contested.
3rd pick: #3 (Ron the Greek) - He's always had talent but has never been able to beat a top field like this. However, he comes off a solid second-place finish to a good horse in "Mucho Macho Man" at Gulfstream in a $400K stakes. In career best form at present and speed/stalker can factor at a nice price.
4th pick: #9 (Setsuko) - Tries his best every time out and he lost by a nose a year ago in the 2011 edition of this important stakes. Gelding comes off a win here facing weaker and trainer Rick Mandella has set him up well for this.