Top pick: #4 (SHAKIN IT UP) (5-2) - He's one of two entered by trainer Bob Baffert and the pair race uncoupled. Stakes winner is (3-2-1-0) on real dirt and looked good when winning the 7 furlong "San Vicente" stakes (G2) at Santa Anita on Feb. 17 in his first off a three month break. Training fast and the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Abraham) (4-1) - He missed by a nose when debuting in a sprint at Gulfatream on Jan. 17, then came back with a gutsy score at this trip on a sloppy track Feb. 16. Working fine at Palm Meadows for this and it's the deadly combo of Pletcher/Johnny V.
3rd pick: #5 (Saint Prado) (8-1) - Lightly-raced and promising colt moves way up in class after an impressive maoden win at Santa Anita on Feb. 16. Race was his first since June 16th and he's in a sharp barn (Jeff Bonde) and Bejarano is in for the ride.
4th pick: #6 (Dry Summer) (5-1) - Local hero is two-for-two onthis aurface and won a $120K stakes in a prep for this on Feb. 23. Dangerous and he has the "home field" advantage.