Top pick: #4 (STANFORD) (8-5) - He's one of two promising 3-year-olds entered in this minor $60K stakes and the pair race uncoupled. He looked great winning a 6-furlong contest on Feb. 8. It was his first since early August and has worked fast since. Like most in this field he's trying this two-turn trip for the first time.
2nd pick: #1 (Tradesman) (10-1) - Godolphin home bred has been freshened up since breaking his maiden here on Jan. 8 going a mile. He showed some talent in a pair of starts last fall in New York and is bred to love this longer trip.
3rd pick: #6 (Materiality) (2-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, he won his debut here in the slop going 6-furlongs Jan. 11. Son of "Afleet Alex" cost $400K as a 2-year-old in training last May and was reported to be a runner heading into his debut. Working fast at Palm Meadows and must be left in the mix.