Top pick: #3 (PEARL OF WISDOM) (5-2) - Gelding has been freshened up since late Dec. when he finished an even fourth of eight at this level going 6 furlongs. The Rudy Rodriguez barn stretches him back out and this 4-year-old was a winner in his previous race going a mile.
2nd pick: #7 (Readbytheline) (3-1) - He comes off a career best when he was beaten a neck here at this level and distance on Jan 10th. Hard-hitter loves this surface (6-1-4-1) and he has the best early speed of this group.
3rd pick: #1 (Bigger is Bettor) (7-2) - The field's strongest finisher is in shape, draws the ground-saving rail, and is a strong factor, especially if someone can run with "Readbytheline" early on.
4th pick: #6 (Fortitude) (6-1) - Gelding got away with soft fractions when setting the pace here on Jan. 11 facing weaker and just held on. Working well and he has run some fine races from just off the pace.