Top pick: #1 (HAKAMA) - Improving colt by "First Samurai" has won both starts since trainer Mike Trombetta added blinkers and this $150,000 yearling purchase continues to work fast since his win at Laurel on Jan. 4. Has the rail and he was an impressive maiden winner on this inner-surface Dec. 10.
2nd pick: #7 (Alpha) - The probable heavy favorite showed plenty of talent last year and began his 3-year-old season with an impressive win on this surface in the $150K Count Fleet S. on Jan. 7. Continues to work fast and I almost made him the top choice. He'd be no surprise, but at a short price.
3rd pick: #5 (How Do I Win) - He has the best early speed of this field and last out they tried to rate him, and he would eventually check-in fourth, just over six lengths back of "Alpha". Expect him to be sent hard and try and steal this.