Top pick: #1 (CIAO BELLA) (8-5) - She's one of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. Stable rider "Johnny V" takes this grey filly and she enters this off a career best when winning here going a "flat" mile on Feb. 18. She's 3-for-4 when racing on dirt, has the rail, a flexible style, and is working well for this attempt.
2nd pick: #3 (Successful Song) (9-5) - Hard-hitter likes this demanding distance (3-1-2-0) and when last in action she won a $300K stakes here at this trip on Jan. 19 when facing fellow Florida-breds. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Authenticity) (6-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, mare goes against the grain as she's now 6-year-olds and is still improving. She's only raced five times, but comes into this off a very impressive win over weaker here on Feb. 14. She gets a big class test today, but her early speed must be respected.