Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (EL AREEB) (2-1) - Grey son of 'Exchange Rate' sold for $340,000 as a 2-year-old in training last March. He enters this with three very impressive wins in a row, the latest pair coming in stakes. He won by almost 12 lengths here Jan. 2 in the Jerome (G3) while easily defeating two of today's rivals. Stalker ships back from his Laurel base after breezing there four times for this assignment.
2nd pick: #2 (Apartfromthecrowd) (4-1) - Very lightly-raced, he's taking a big step up following a good looking local maiden win Jan. 14. He draws a nice post while trainer Chad Brown has Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for the first time.
3rd pick: #10 (J Boys Echo) (9-2) - Strong finisher has been on the sidelines since Nov. 19. He finished a distant fourth that day in the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3)but had a very wide trip on that small surface. Can factor if able to avoid another outside journey.
4th pick: #7 (Always a Suspect) (20-1) - The main speed, he's stretching out in distance for the first time. Sharp in three straight, he missed by a 'neck' here a $100K sprint stakes Jan. 1. Takes them as far as he can.
5th pick: #6 (Fillet of Sole) (15-1) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. Another taking a big step up, he was reported to be a runner before his debut in early July at Belmont. He has a fine series of works showing for his first since a maiden win at Philly Park Nov. 29.