Top pick: #3 (ALFA BIRD) (2-1) - The probable favorite, speedy colt has finished second in all three sprints and has been beaten by no more than a 1/2 length in each. He's earned solid figures in all three and should take this field from gate-to-wire on the stretch out.
2nd pick: #6 (Nowalking) (3-1) - He has talent but is taking some time to get his act together. Colt by "Hard Spun" has finished third in his last pair and in one he set the pace and in the other he closed from far back. Stretch threat.
3rd pick: #8 (Little Curlin) (7-2) - Son of "Curlin" has been in a good spot to win from in three straight appearances but has come up a bit short at crunch time. Stalker is racing second back off a nine month layoff, stretches out in distance, and the Hollendorfer barn is adding blinkers. Dangerous.
4th pick: #7 (Raider Power) (12-1) - Lightly-raced 4-year-old tired as the heavy favorite sprinting at Keeneland for a $30K tag Oct. 15. It was his first race in 14-months and he was claimed that afternoon by Tim Yakteen. Gelding by "Indian Charlie' is working sharply and still has plenty of room for upside.