Top pick: #1 (JACKSON BEND) - He's always been a good horse, but last year he brought his game to another level when he came back from a two month break in late July. He was an impressive winner in the Forego (G1) at Saratoga on Sept. 3, then finished second to "Uncle Mo" in a small field (4) in the Kelso S.(G2) at Belmont when he was at a tactical disadvantage. He closed out his season when he rallied to finish third in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1)racing at a distance (6 furlongs) that clearly isn't his best. Working very fast at Palm Meadows for this and he's the horse to beat at this "flat" (one turn) mile distance.
2nd pick: #7 (Soaring Empire) - Working very fast for his first start since July 31st, this talented runner does his best work on this surface(5-2-2-0) and he won the 2011 of this stakes last Jan. 8. Dangerous again today.
3rd pick: #5 (Decisive Moment) - He had a fine 2011 campaign and this is a distance that he likes (3-2-1-0). He meets tougher today than he ever has, but is working well for his first start since Nov. 19 when he won the $125K Delta Downs Jackpot S. at this trip.