Top pick: #1 (AIKENITE) - One of a pair from the barn of Todd Pletcher and they'll race uncoupled. Son of "Yes It's True" showed plenty of talent last year going from a maiden win in his debut at Saratoga to run well in a trio of Grade one stakes. He had a "troubled" three-year-old debut in the "Holy Bull" (G3) and raced evenly once in the clear. Working sharply and he draws the rail. "Upset" special.
2nd pick: #5 (Jackson Bend) - Logical contender and probable favorite. Colt finished a game second to the hard-luck "Winslow Homer" in the "Holy Bull" and he'll stretch-out again today. He has an edge on many as he's already won going two-turns when he won a stakes at Calder last October. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Buddy's Saint) - Talented colt was disqualified out of his debut but went on to win the "Nashua" (G2) and the "Remsen" (G2) in his next two starts. Working very fast and frequently for trainer Bruce Levine and he would be no real surprise, but he may not be fully cranked for this. Must be respected.
4th pick: #8 (Eskendereya) - The second of the Pletcher pair won his seasonal debut here on Jan. 7 going a flat mile in the best performance of his career. His last pair of works indicate he may run even better today.