Top pick: #8 (TRAIL BLAZE) (9-2) - He disappointed as the favorite in the local "Spectacular Bid" stakes on Jan. 4 in his first since winning his debut in impressive fashion on Nov. 20 at Aqueduct. Trainer Todd Pletcher has worked him fast since and should be at his best today.
2nd pick: #10 (Vinceremos) (10-1) - He's also from the Pletcher barn and comes off a good looking maiden win here going a mile on Jan. 4. Working fine since, he's cross-entered in today's "Sam Davis" stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and may or may not compete here.
3rd pick: #5 (Wildcat Red) (5-1) - Speed/stalker just missed here in the $100K "Gulfstream Derby" going a "flat" mile on Jan. 1 in his first in almost two months. That was a career best overall and that earned him a high "Beyer" figure.
4th pick: #4 (C Zee) (6-1) - Colt has been sharp in all three starts and last out ran second in the "Spectacular Bid" and in the process he was 7 1/2 lengths in front of "Trail Blaze." Stalker must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #6 (Gambler's Ghost) (8-1) - Son of "Ghostzapper" was a daylight gate-to-wire maiden winner here going 6-furlongs and he completed the distance in a swift 1:09.80. Trainer Ed Kenneally moves him way up in class today, but this colt's early speed makes him a threat.