Top pick: #2 (HOLIDAY FLARE) - Gulfstream invader finished a pace-pressing third there facing a bit tougher on Jan. 8 in her first start since early last May. Speed/stalker had a near bullet half-mile breeze at Palm Meadows before heading north and she can take this with some improvement second off the long break. One of two entered in this small field by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair run as separate interests.
2nd pick: #5 (Fantasy of Light) - Talented and lightly-raced filly hasn't seen action since she finished second at Saratoga at this distance facing entry-level allowance foes on Sept. 4. Training steadily and above average for her return and leading rider Ramon Dominguez is aboard for the first time.