Top pick: #3 (DO YOU SMELL SMOKE) (6-1) - Nice local effort on Dec. 19 saw him chase a fast pace after breaking frfom an outside post (11th of 11) and tire in the final furlong to finish third. Race was his first in seven months and trainer Kathy Ritvo will add blinkers and this 3-year-old draws a much better post.
2nd pick: #8 (Tizrobertcharles) (4-1) - He rallied to finish second in the same Dec. 19 contest as "Smoke" and defeated that common opponent by just over a length. Race was his first since May 5th and veteran trainer Howie Tesher has him making back-to-back starts for the first time.
3rd pick: #1 (Holiday High) (7-2) - Pletcher-trained grey gelding tired after breaking slowly when debuting in late Sept. at Delaware and is training above average at Palm Meadows for his return. Has the rail and should contend with an alert start.
4th pick: #9 (Mile High City) (20-1) - Longshot hasn't raced since late August when he tired while racing wide on a sloppy track at Calder racing in a small stakes for fellow Florida-breds. Could grab a share at an expected big price.