Top pick: #8 (SHARED BELIEF) (6-5) - The probable favorite, he tasted defeat for the first time when finishing a very "troubled" fourth in the roughly run "Breeder's Cup Classic" (G1) on Nov. 1st. Talented colt had won his previous seven starts including the local "Awesome Again" (G2) in late Sept. Working fast and has won at this trip in the past.
2nd pick: #2 (Chitu) (4-1) - One of four entered by the powerful Baffert barn, this colt's only sub par effort came when he tired after setting a pressured pace in the "Kentucky Derby." Working fast for this, and son of "Henny Hughes" has done well here in the past (3-2-1-0). Strong contender.
3rd pick: #3 (Indianapolis) (6-1) - Another of the Baffert quartet, he's fast from the gate and lightly raced. He was undefeated (3 for 3) before a troubled start in the "Breeder's Cup Sprint," a race where he was beaten only 5 1/2 lengths. Working fast and he was two for two here before that last effort.
4th pick: #6 (Midnight Hawk) (5-1) - Strong finisher is also from the Baffert barn and is racing back into shape since returning from a 6 1/2 month layoff on Oct. 31st. Grey son of "Midnight Lute" showed a lot of talent last spring and is a stretch threat in this spot.