Top pick: #6 (SPA CITY FEVER) (3-1) - Veteran has improved as he's gotten older and has gone 15-4-3-2 over the past 16 months under the guidance of leading trainer Dave Jacobson. Eight-year-old has a flexible style, is fresh off a seven week break, and this is his favorite trip (11-4-4-1). It's also noted that John Velazquez is aboard for the first time.
2nd pick: #7 (Commandante) (4-1) - Speedy sort limes the main-track here at 3-2-1-0, and trainer Todd Pletcher has him working well for his first since Feb. 22. Hard-hitting gelding draws a fine outside post and J.J. Castellano, who has gone 3-2-1-0 riding him in the past, is back aloft.
3rd pick: #8 (Zivo) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he's the field's strongest finisher and has a fine overall record of 12-6-2-4. Home-bred has won four of his last five, likes this trip 7-4-1-2, and is working steadily at Belmont for his first since late Feb. Must be left in the three-horse win mix.
4th pick: #2 (Bake Shop) (15-1) - Speed/stalker has some talent, but has been defeated by many of today's rivals in the past. May grab a minor award at a big price with one of his better efforts.