Top pick: #1 (CONSTITUTION) (7-2) - One of three entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the tri race as separate betting interests. Very lightly raced, he's been on the sidelines since a sold third place finish in the rich "Clark" Hdcp. (G1) at Churchill Nov. 28. Speedy sort has the rail and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #2 (Commissioner) (4-1) - Another of the Pletcher trio, he just missed here on Jan. 10 facing weaker. It was his first since early June when he missed by a "neck" in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Working fast since his comebacker and a win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (East Hall) (15-1) - Longshot enters in career best form and this is his home base. Stalker fits with his best and will be a big price.
4th pick: #8 (Protonico) (6-1) - The third Pletcher runner, he ran second in the "Clark" in late Nov. and was a length better than 'Constitution' that afternoon. He has the talent and the figures to win this with his best. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #5 (Elnaawi) (20-1) - Beautifully bred runner ships from Laurel where he won a $100K stakes going 8.5-furlongs Jan. 3. A career best and a repeat could land him a share at a gigantic price.