Top pick: #5 (SEAGATE) (5-2) - Darley home bred tired after racing close up when debuting when debuting on a sloppy surface at Aqueduct on Nov. 27. Son of "Distorted Humor" was in against a very tough group that day and was "bumped" at the break. His trainer (Kiaran McLaughlin) wins at a 24% rate second time out and should win this with an alert getaway.
2nd pick: #2 (Pelekas Beach) (5-1) - Gelding by "Proud Citizen" ships up from Gulfstream where he went evenly in a pair at this level. Formerly in the Pletcher barn they were his first races in 8 1/2 months and he makes his local debut off a trainer change to Cal Lynch. Working fast at Palm Meadows before shipping and Lynch wins at an excellent 24% with new arrivals to his barn. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Economic Data) (4-1) - Clearly the main speed, he's burned a lot of money in his first three starts. Colt has had the lead at the 1/4 pole in all three outings, but has tired down the stretch in each while going 3-0-1-2. He's racing 2nd off a almost a two month break and shortening up a furlong.
4th pick: #1 (Center On the Moon) (7-2) - The field's most experienced maiden 7-0-2-1 missed by a "nose" here racing for a $25K tag on Dec. 6. Claimed that day by Juan Guerrero, he moves him up in class and has him going a bit farther. Barn is sharp off the claim (23%) and this son of "Malibu Moon" has early speed.