Top pick: #1 (STICKLER) (5-2) - Darley home bred has some very impressive works on view as she makes her debut. Daughter of "Elusive Quality" has three straight bullet breezes at Belmont. Several weeks ago, her trainer (Kiaran McLaughlin 18% first out) had a pair of impressive debut winners. She has the rail, Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Alliteration) (3-1) - Filly by "Congrats" cost $260K last February as a 2yo in training. In a top barn (Chad Brown 21% first out), she's been in steady training since mid-Sept.
3rd pick: #3 (Eloquent Tribute) (4-1) - She has an experience edge on the top two selections and has been competitive in all three starts. Freshened up since Nov. 16th, she's working nicely, and trainer Rudy Rodriguez adds blinkers (a strong 34% winning move).
4th pick: #7 (Smart Alex) (6-1) - Daughter of "Afleet Alex" showed good early speed in her debut before tiring to check in a distant third. Must be left in the mix.