Top pick: #12 (HANSEN ) - Last year's 2-year-old champ went 3-for-3 during 2011 and closed out his year with a desparete "head" win over "Union Rags" in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5. He finished a solid second in his 3-year-old debut at Gulfstream in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) and will be stretching-out in distance this afternoon. Working fast for this, he draws a tough outside post, but he's supposed to beat these if he's a true Kentucky Derby(G1) contender.
2nd pick: #1 (My Adonis ) - Colt was "bumped" heavily at the break in the Holy Bull in Florida, but did well to close strongly to finish third, only 1/2 length back of "Hansen". He has much speed to use and has a pair of sharp local works since shipping up from Gulfstream. Has the rail and can factor this afternoon.
3rd pick: #6 (Dan and Sheila) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair will race as separate betting interests. $150K yearling won his debut at Gulfstream going a mile on Dec. 17, then did well to finish fourth of 13, beaten just over 3 lengths in the (G3) Le Comte S. at the Fair Grounds Jan. 21 in a fine outing in his first facing winners. Working fast and John Velazquez comes in for the ride.
4th pick: #8 (Raconteur) - The second of the Pletcher runners is one of three entered with a win on this surface and he's done it twice. Speed/stalker broke his maiden here Jan. 6 and a month later made it two in a row. Improving, well-bred, and he's working fast for his first stakes attempt.