Top pick: #8 (SOLDIER'S DANCER) - By far the most accomlplished member of this field his closing style will be tested to the limit today in a race that dosen't appear to have much pace. That said, he never runs a bad one and has beaten far better in the past than he faces this afternoon. The top pick to get it done with a late surge.
2nd pick: #11 (Jet Propulsion) - Interesting runner races first off a Marty Wolfson claim and veteran gelding seeks his third in a row today. He has good early speed and also can stalk if necessary. Think he'll run well at a nice price. One of a pair from the trainer and they'll race uncoupled.
3rd pick: #3 (Duke of Mischief) - Lightly raced, he won the "Fort Lauderdale" here on Jan. 10 when race was switched to the main track. Has only a small sample of turf starts (3-1-1-1), but is in good shape and he's from a very under-rated barn (Dave Fawkes). Contender at nice odds.
4th pick: #4 (Bad Action) - Very competitive runner is equally adept on turf or dirt. He makes his first start for trainer Todd Pletcher after a successful summer-fall campaign for the barn of Gary Contessa. One-run type is working nicely at Palm Meadows and he has a shot from close range.