Top pick: #2 (SIMBAMANGU) - Nicely-bred colt has always shown ability and loked sharp when breaking his maiden at Aqueduct going 6.5 furlongs in the slop on Nov. 23. By far his best overall, it came off a 7 week freshening and this son of "Tale of the Cat" is training fast since shipping south. Stretches-out in distance and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Garryowen) - Races first off a claim by Mike Maker (a strong 37% winning angle). Take away his "poly" and turf starts and this colt by "Kitten's Joy" is 2-for-3 on the dirt. Working nicely, has some speed, and he draws the rail.
3rd pick: #8 (Maple Leaf Kitten) - Races for a the lethal duo of owner Bilkly Hays and trainer Joe Woodard. Gelding ships in from the Fair Grounds where he just missed last out at this level on the turf. In shape, he's run well on dirt in the past, and Woodard has already won 201 races this year.