Top pick: #8 (AFFIRMATIF) - Beautifully-bred colt ("Unbridled's Song") won his debut at Gulfstream in impressive fashion on February 28 going wire-to-wire in a mile turf race to win by nine lengths. Colt pressed the pace in his second start, reached the top in mid-stretch, then was out-finished late to finish a clear second. Freshened-up by trainer Todd Pletcher since that April 5 effort at Keeneland, colt is training well and can win this from on, or just off the lead.
2nd pick: #4 (Beacon Hil Road) - Consistent colt by "Forestry" had a pair of strong efforts earlier this year at Gulfstream in two stakes races on the grass. Mid-pack type has been freshened-up for the past three months and is a win threat from off the pace.
3rd pick: #5 (Colonel Rutledge) - Lightly-raced son of "Orientate" is one of only two Triple Crown nominees entered here, the top selection being the other. One for one on the grass, he finished a fine third in his seasonal debut on April 18 in a $100K stakes at Charles Town. Nicely set-up by his trainer (Graham Motion). Prado presence is noted.