Top pick: #9 (CIGAR STREET) (3-1) - He was considered possible "Derby" material around this time last year, but following a close up finish in the "Louisiana Derby" (G2) he was injured and did not race again for almost nine months. He's won both of his return starts and moves up in class for this attempt. I like his chances.
2nd pick: #8 (Take Charge Indy) (7-2) - Colt by "A.P. Indy" won last year's "Florida Derby"(G1), but was sent to the sidelines after a poor effort in the "Kentucky Derby" (G1). He's gone 3-0-1-2 since coming off a half-year's break in late Oct., and all three starts have been in G1s. He likes this surface (3-1-1-1) and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Golden Ticket) (5-1) - Son of "Speightstown" dead-heated in last years $1M "Travers" Stakes(G1) and came into those off a sharp third-place finish in a G3 stakes at the Fair Grounds. 4-year-olds is a perfect 2-for-2 on this surface and enters this in shape.
4th pick: #6 (Al Qasr) (15-1) - A major winner in Argentina, he hasn't run since late May, but is working very fast at Calder for his return. He's 7-for-11 when racing on the dirt and last out won an important Group 1 stakes.
5th pick: #10 (Pants On Fire) (8-1) - 5-year-old has earned almost $1M and was the winner of the rich "Louisiana Derby" (G2) two years ago. He's returning to form and last out was an impressive winner here facing weaker going a mile and in his previous race was beaten a 1/2 length here on Jan. 13 in the (G3) "Hal's Hope" stakes. His post makes his task a difficult, but not impossible one.