Top pick: #5 (LIAM'S MAP) (8-5) - Lightly-raced and talented, grey colt is one of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race as separate betting interests. This 4-year-old son of 'Unbridled's Song' finished second when debuting at Saratoga in late August. He's undefeated (3-for-3) since and showed a lot of grit when winning a stakes at Gulfstream Dec 14. Speed/stalker runs off a seven month layoff and is training fast locally. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Confrontation) (9-5) - Hard hitter has gone 13-5-5-1 overall and is 5-2-3-0 here at Belmont. He enters having finished second in four of his last five starts, all coming in stakes. In shape, has the rail, and has the best chance of defeating 'Liam.'
3rd pick: #4 (Last Gunfighter) (6-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, he hasn't raced since late September. Veteran has won 9 of 20 overall and has banked $1,200,000. He won his 2014 debut following a similar layoff and is training above average. Has a shot with his best.