Top pick: #1 (BUFFALO RUNNER) - Colt by "Aldebaran" takes a huge drop and cuts-back in distance. Pletcher-trained juvenile has several good efforts on his resume and it looks like a case of now or never. Draws the rail and stable jock John Velazquez is aloft. The top pick.
2nd pick: #6 (Give It Back) - Sold privately sometime after October, he runs dropping down and gets the addition of both lasix and blinkers. Low-profile connections guarantee big odds.
3rd pick: #5 (Freight Forward) - Logical contender also drops off a pair of third-place finishes facing slightly tougher. Dominguez climbs aboard for trainer Mike Hushion and they're winning at an incredible 48% rate when teamed-up.