Top pick: #4 (JAX HERITAGE) (7-2) - Home bred by "More Than Ready" finished a strong second when debuting here at this level on the grass Nov. 23rd. He's worked on the dirt since, and trainer Mark Hennig makes a rider switch to Juan Ortiz. Colt gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Beyond the Green) (4-1) - Generazio home bred has finished second in two straight at this level. The latest came here at this distance, and he overcame a tough outside post that afternoon. Draws better and is a stretch threat.
3rd pick: #5 (Apollo Eleven) (3-1) - $250,000 son of "Medaglia d'Oro" finished an even fourth after being bumped soundly at the break when debuting in a sprint on Dec. 3rd. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez brings him back quickly, stretches him out in distance, and has Irad Ortiz, Jr. replacing J.J. Castellano, who is now at Gulfstream.
4th pick: #3 (Swivel) (9-2) - Broman home bred by "Tiznow" has had excuses in both starts and has still been competitive. He was bet down to favoritism last out and was less than a length back of "Beyond the Green" at the finish. In the mix.