Top pick: #8 (VERRAZANO) (6-5) - One of two undefeated colts entered, he was very impressive when winning the (G2) "Tampa Bay Derby" on March 9th in his first stakes attempt and first race around two-turns. This field is much tougher, but he's working fast and still has room for improvement.
2nd pick: #5 (Vyjack) (4-1) - The other undefeated runner (4 for 4), he's done so without yet leaving Aquedut and last out he showed a new dimension when he rallied from off the pace to win the "Gotham Stakes" (G3) on March 2nd. Working fast and he has a "home field" advantage on "Verrazano."
3rd pick: #2 (Normandy Invasion) (5-1) - May yet turn out to be one of the better 3-year-olds around. Lightly raced, he missed by a nose on this surface, at this distance last fall in the (G2) "Remsen." He had a troubled trip in his seasonal debut in the (G2) "Risen Star" stakes at the Fair Grounds and this race has been his target all along.
4th pick: #10 (Freedom Child) (301) - Longshot draws a very difficult post and that may limit this well-bred and improving colt to a minor award at a big price. He's only one of two entered who has won at this 9-furlong distance in the past.
5th pick: #4 (Elnaawi) (15-1) - Shadwell runner is lightly raced, beautifully bred, and is getting better. He has talent, and although maybe not today, colt has a bright future down the road.