Top pick: #2 (INDIAN BRUT) (3-1) - Home bred by "Indian Charlie" returned from a 14 1/2 month layoff Nov. 27th and was an impressive maiden winner over a strong field at Aqueduct. It was only his second start, and he's been working fast since. Castellano is signed on and believe this colt still has room for upside.
2nd pick: #6 (Montana Cowboy) (7-2) - Speedy son of "Grand Slam" has been much improved since coming off a 7-week freshening in late October. Working fast for this, he's moving up in class, and stretching out a bit in distance. In a top outfit (Marty Wolfson) and a threat on the front end.
3rd pick: #3 (Rich n Tuck) (4-1) - No speed type is making his sixth start to try and pick up win number two. He has some stretch kick and is racing third back off a two month break. He need a fast and/or contested pace for anything more than a minor award.
4th pick: #1 (Surfing USA) (6-1) - Lightly raced, he had a lot of promise earlier in his career, but went to the sidelines in early March and was not the same colt when he returned in August. Sold privately to owner/trainer Cal Lynch, he's gelded him since and has him racing off a Sept. 11th layoff. A threat if ready.
5th pick: #10 (Gentrify) (20-1) - Longshot is lightly raced, has some talent, but this field drew tough, and a small slice at a big price is his ceiling.