TOP PICK #5 EIGHT BALL This $300,000 yearling is a half brother to three stakes winner, including multiple graded winner Euchre. He also hails from the barn of champion trainer Todd Pletcher, who excels with young horses. Eight Ball was bet to 4-1 in his Feb 4 debut in Florida, but he broke slowly, then rushed up to press the quick pace. He also was racing over a sloppy track that he may not have handled, so I believe we can chalk his fade in the stretch up to experience and give him a big chance to improve considerably second time out. By Unbridleds’s Song, Eight Ball is bred to prefer routes, and Pletcher wins at a big 28% rate with horses stretching out. He & Luzzi have been a formidable team lately, winning at a very high percentage.

HORSES FOR EXACTA AND TRIFECTA WAGERING 1 TAKEN NOT GIVEN 6/1 Red top & bottom to run all day, as he’s a half to mult. graded stakes winning distance horse Greek Sun, and sire Point Given won the Belmont Stakes at 1-1/2 miles. Improving for leading trainer.

8 FOREIGN MINISTER 10/1 Half brother to 2yo champion colt Vindication has hit the board in both route starts.

10 MASS CHARLES 5/2 Finished 2nd in both starts since adding blinkers & Lasix. Exits a fast race. Tough post