Top pick: #8 (ESCAPE TO THE MOON) (6-5) - The probable favorite, he's finished second in all three starts and is racing third back from a two month break. Stalker has a clear speed to track and can run by that rival turning for home.
2nd pick: #4 (Saltine Warrior) (3-1) - The main danger, he has the best early speed of this group and has been competitive in all three dirt races. Gelding has faced better groups than this in the past and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Midnight Missile) - One of four making their debuts, he's in a winning barn (Charlie Baker), and he's capable first out (14%). Initially prepared at Finger Lakes, 3-year-old by "Golden Missile" has a pair of works at Belmont since shipping to Long Island.
4th pick: #5 (D J's Hope) (20-1) - Longshot has a bit of speed and is working well for his first since Nov. 3. Capable of grabbing a slice at a big price.