Top pick: #1 (CASTAWAY) - He's one of two entered by trainer Bob Baffert and the pair will race uncoupled. Son of "Street Sense" has made amazing progress since coming back from almost a two month break, but more importantly he's getting better since he was sent around two turns. He's won 2 in a row, including a very easy win at Oaklawn Park on Feb 20th in the (G3) Southwest stakes. Has the rail and Bejarano is in for the mount.
2nd pick: #6 (Daddy Nose Best) - Consistent sort has been competitive on grass, "poly", and dirt, and last out rallied to win the (G3) El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields on Feb 18th. By far his best to date, he's in shape and has a big 5 furlong breeze at Santa Anita two weeks ago. Strong stretch threat.
3rd pick: #2 (Ender Knievel) - In the Pletcher barn, he's lightly raced, improving, and last out was an impressive maiden winner at Gulfstream Park going a "flat" mile on Feb 5th. Working fast at Palm Meadows before shipping and John Velazquez ( fresh off a win in yesterday's Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park)took a plane last night to ride this gelding.
4th pick: #4 (Isn't He Clever) - Locally-based gelding by "Smarty Jones" is a perfect 2 for 2 on this surface and that's one more than the rest of the field put together. He was a sharp winner of the $150K Birdland Derby here a month ago and is working fast since. Jockey Luis Contreras is in for the ride and this speed/stalker will be a square price.