Top pick: #1 (ALEX INC) (8-5) - Lightly-raced, he went evenly when debuting in early July at Monmouth and was sent in for a four month break at that time. He returned with a new trainer (Bob Reid Jr.) on Nov. 5 and gelding by "Afleet Alex" has gone 4-1-3-0 since then. Speed/stalker stretches out off a second-place finish at this level going 6.5-furlongs on Feb. 8 and draws the rail.
2nd pick: #4 (Amelia's Wild Ride) (5-2) - Colt has sharp early speed and runs first off a Ramon Preciado claim (a 20% winning angle). In shape and his ability to stalk is a big plus. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Pantera) (4-1) - Recent maiden winner looked good when doing so on Jan. 25 when he was won by 4 lengths, going two-turns facing $25K rivals. He has a flexible style and a bullet half-mile breeze on Feb. 17.
4th pick: #5 (Four Cents) (8-1) - Speedy and well-bred, he cost $200K as a yearling, so there were expectations. Recent maiden winner did so off a trainer change to Penny Pearce. Don't just ignore at a big price.