Top pick: #6 (REGAL RANSOM) - Hard-hitter is stringing starts together after several layoffs earlier in his career and last out missed by a nose on this surface in the Alysheba S. on the day before the Derby. Has excellent early speed, can rate if someone else wants the top, and it's nice to see jockey Alan Garcia come in from Belmont Park for the mount. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Apart) - Colt is from the same barn (Al Stall Jr.) that had a great year in 2010 with Blame (who won the Breeders' Cup Classic by a nose on this surface over "Horse of the Year" Zenyatta.) This runner isn't quite as talented but is still a very good horse. He won a stakes last out at Pimlico on Preakness day and comes into this working nicely and a major player in ths $500K stakes.
3rd pick: #2 (Crown of Thorns) - His career has been beset with many layoffs due to injuries but is a top-notch runner when in shape. He's had all of his success on the west coast and this will only be his second ever on conventional dirt. Has both speed and stalking ability and can be in this from start to finish if he takes to the surface.
4th pick: #1 (Flat Out) - Lightly raced due to injuries, but is a very good horse when well and last out he finished a strong second at Lone Star Park to the tough old campaigner "Awesome Gem." Has the ground saving rail, should get a quick pace to rally into, and can impact at a big price.