Top pick: #2 (ROYAL SQUEEZE) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he missed by a "nose" in a $370K stakes for Florida breds in early October and has been freshened up since. Training nicely at Palm Meadows, speed/stalker draws a good inside post and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Honor Earned) (7-2) - Colt finished fourth in a small stakes Nov. 29 after having a troubled break. He was competitive in three straight prior to that and was three back of "Royal Squeeze" in early Oct. Strong finisher draws a ground saving post and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Journey Proud) (9-2) - $200K son of "Harlan's Holiday" finished an even fourth when debuting in a 6-furlong sprint Oct. 12. In the Pletcher barn (29% second out), he adds blinkers (21%) and has his go-to rider John Velazquez aboard.
4th pick: #8 (Saham) (4-1) - Son of "Lemon Drop Kid" rallied to finish second of 12, beaten1 1/2 lengths when debuting at Churchill going 7-furlongs on Nov. 22. Colt is working well at Palm Meadows and is bred to enjoy this longer trip.
5th pick: #3 (Madefromluck) - Well bred colt has some stretch kick and is working well locally for his first since August 10. Longshot could grab a minor award at a big price.