Top pick: #6 (SHARED BELIEF) (7-2) - Undefeated (2-for-2) gelding is one of two enterd by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and the pair give him a strong hand in this important 2-year-old feature. Stalker won the G3 "Hollywood Prevue" here going 7-furlongs last out, is working fast, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Tamarando) (4-1) - The second of the Hollendorfer pair, he won the $100k "Real Quiet" here at this trip last out in what was a carer best. Strong finisher ran a career best that day and is working fast locally.
3rd pick: #4 (Candy Boy) (15-1) - Recent maiden winner did so here at this distance on Nov. 22 and has been very sharp in two straight. Lightly raced, well-bred, and has room for upside.
4th pick: #5 (Tap It Rich) (9-2) - He checked in 6th of 13, beaten just under 4 lenghts in the "Breeders' Cup Juvenile"(G1)on Nov. 2 in his first off an impressive maiden win when debuting on Oct. 13. Training forwardly, but he'll be trying a new surface today. Contendr, but will be over-bet.
5th pick: #11 (Sheikinator) (25-1) - Longshot is one of two from trainer Ken McPeek he enters off a pair of sharp races in Kentucky, one each at Keeneland and Churchill. He could be a factor at a big price, but draws a very tough post.