Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (PROVEN STRATEGIES) (5-2) - Stakes placed last summer at Saratoga, this colt closed out his season by missing by two lengths in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) Nov. 1 at Santa Anita. Training sharply for his return, this stalker draws the rail and will be tough if ready off the three-month layoff.
2nd pick: #7 (Intentional Walk) (6-1) - A $325,000 son of 'Tapit,' he finished a pace-setting 2nd here at this level and distance in a contest that was run in fast time 1:34.80. Only his second start, it was his first on the grass and first with Lasix administered. Dangerous today.
3rd pick: #5 (Unprecedented) (20-1) - This longshot has been on the sidelines since Oct. 12. The $220K purchase has shown early speed in all three on the dirt and will be racing on the turf today for the first time. Working steadily at the Palm Meadows Center, he may be in this from gate-to-wire at a huge price.
4th pick: #8 (Militarist) (15-1) - Grey son of 'Liam's Map' switches to the grass following a pair on the dirt at this meet. He rallied to finish 3rd in his debut at seven furlongs Dec. 8, then tired after racing near a quick pace at a mile Jan. 11. Bred to like the turf, he's another who could impact at large odds.
5th pick: #10 (Abscam) (4-1) - Debuting home bred by 'Hard Spun' makes his start off a good work pattern at Palm Meadows. From the barn of Chad Brown, 21% first out, he has Castellano aboard, and this Shadwell product could be competitive if able to work out a trip from his marooned post.