Top pick: #6 (PRIVATE ZONE) (5-2) - Speedy gelding has a recency edge on several when he set a very fast pace and held gamely to finish second here in the G1 "Malibu" stakes going 7 furlongs on Dec. 26. He's worked since, is in career best shape and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Comma to the Top) (3-1) - Very professional racehorse (254-11-2-1) has won on turf, dirt, and "poly" and was a winner here in the G3 "Daytona" on Dec. 29, a contest that was switched to the main track. Can win from on or off the pace and he's gone (4-2-1-0) on this surface.
3rd pick: #1 (Apriority) (8-1) - One of two entered by the Baffert barn and the pair race uncoupled. Working fast for his first start since July 7th and all five career wins have come on conventional dirt. 6-year-old has finished second in all three starts on this surface and can factor at a square price if ready.
5th pick: #7 (Justin Phillip) (5-1) - One-run type hasn't raced since he had a troubled trip here in the "Breeders' Cup Dirt Sprint"(G1) on Nov. 3. Working fine since, he'll need some help up front and needs to avoid being wide the whole race for any shot at the top prize.