Top pick: #7 (THE FACTOR) - Grey colt looked like the real deal when breaking his maiden here on Dec. 26 when he hit a 108 Beyer speed figure and did so on this surface. Working like a champ since, he takes a big step up today to a G2 stakes in his first facing winners. One of two entered by the Baffert barn and they'll race uncoupled. The top selection.
2nd pick: #6 (City Cool) - He set a very fast pace last out in the San Pedro stakes before weakening in the last 100 yards to finish second. Has stalking ability and trainer Steve Asmussen may use those tactics this afternoon.
3rd pick: #2 (Metropolitan Man) - Lightly raced last out here on the turf in his first race in 7 months. New York-bred tries real dirt for the first time and should be a nice price.