Top pick: #5 (MATISSE) (2-1) - He enters off a sharp second-place finish when facing a bit weaker and going shorter. Gelding has more early speed than most and may even be put on the lead in this spot. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Unbridled Saint) (3-1) - Well-bred 7-year-old has finished third in both starts at this meet, the latest coming at this tag and trip Jan. 23. He's stringing starts together, has early speed, and must be considered a win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Stephen A) (4-1) - His lack speed hurts his chances in a race where the pace should be on the slow side. However, he almost always makes up some ground in the stretch run and is a late threat.