Top pick: #11 (ALFA BIRD) (3-1) - Colt has just missed in his first pair, and last out lost by a "nose" here at this level going 6-furlongs. He's worked well since, and the extra furlong he travels this afternoon is in his favor. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #13 (Rough Passage) (5-2) - His entire career has been on the local dirt (6-0-1-4), and colt is training very fast for his first start since May 18. Speed/stalker draws a nice outside post and is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Little Curlin) (5-1) - The Hollendorfer barn sends out this colt who is working well for his first race since early Feb. He finished second here that day and earned a "lofty" figure. Dangerous if ready.
4th pick: #1 (Cautious Giant) (4-1) - Lightly raced colt comes off by far a career best when he rallied to miss by a "head" here going 6-furlongs Oct. 11th. It was his first since late Sept. of 2013, and $220K yearling purchase is a threat if he avoids a "bounce."
5th pick: #8 (King Ptolemy) (12-1) - Baffert runner hasn't shown much in his first pair and has needed time off after both. Working okay, but believe a small slice is his ceiling.