Top pick: #4 (THE FACTOR) - Colt is undefeated on real dirt after finishing fourth in his debut on the artificial surface at Hollywood park in late Nov. He has tremendous early speed, won here last out in the Rebel S.(G2) in his first start around two-turns and is working fast at his home-base of Santa Anita before shipping back east. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Elite Alex) - Lightly raced and talented he's had very tough post in his last two starts when he finished third here in the Southwest S.(G3) and at the Fair Grounds when he checked-in fourth in the G2 Louisiana Derby. Working fast, races with blinkers on, and draws a great post today. Factors at a nice price.
3rd pick: #2 (Nehro) - Well-bred, lightly raced, improving quickly at this point, and he draws the rail. Colt by "Mineshaft" missed by a neck last out in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and that was his first facing winners. In the Asmussen barn and a threat again this afternoon.
4th pick: #6 (Sway Away) - California-based trainer Jeff Bonde won yesterday's Bachelor S. with a shipper and this son of "Afleet Alex" had a bit of a "troubled" trip last out in the Rebel S.(G2). He's working fast since, presumably with the blinkers that he'll wear this afternoon and colt gets a rider change to Pat Valenzuela.