Top pick: #6 (CHARITABLE MAN) - Trainer's are usually a well-reserved lot with even the very best losing with seven out of every 10 horses they send to the post. So it's of note listening to this colt's conditioner (Kiaran McLaughlin) tell us about him this week. Without using the actual words, he absolutely "loves his chances." Colt is two for two on this surface, is lightly raced, and is training as well as a horse can do. Has a style that fits the race (3-4) lengths off the lead, and can win this on the far turn with a quick burst. The top pick.
2nd pick: #2 (Dunkirk) - Lightly raced and very talented. His races in Florida were first rate including his second-place finish in the Florida Derby (G1) to a perfect trip winner ("Quality Road"). Had problems in the Derby and never got un-tracked. Training superbly for this and he comes in the freshest of all. Big shot at the win.
3rd pick: #7 (Mine That Bird) - No need for me to tell you about him. "Upset" the Derby at 50-1 and his Preakness effort was just as impressive. I don't think he can win this with the probable pace scenario with a move from the clouds, so he'll have to do it with a more sustained "grinding" type of run. Probable favorite would be no real surprise.
4th pick: #1 (Chocolate Candy) - Freshened-up since a "troubled" trip in the Derby, colt has been based here and training on this surface for the past month for a great trainer (Jerry Hollendorfer). Works are excellent, as his his stalking ability and post. Has a chance with an inside move on the far turn.