Top pick: #7 (FREUDEX) (5-2) - He's racing second off a short layoff and will be getting blinkers on for this attempt. Working well, he tired in his latest but may have needed the race. It's noted that Jose Ortiz is aboard for the first time.
2nd pick: #1 (Stardom) (2-1) - Freshened up since early May, he's finished third in both starts. He returns a new gelding, is working fast, and breaks from the rail. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Shinnecock Bay) (7-2) - The field's most experienced maiden he enters off a career best on Dec. 5. He set a pressured pace that day and held to finish second at this level and distance. Contender.
4th pick: #2 (Blue Shark) (12-1) - Not a win threat, but he has some speed and may hang on for a minor award at a big price.