Top pick: #2 (ROYAL MERIDIAN) - Nice debut saw him track a fast pace, make a bid at the 1/8th pole, and check-in third of 10, beaten 1 1/2 lengths racing here at this level on Feb. 9. Freshened-up for the past two months by trainer Julio Canani, 5-year-old is training fast for this and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Octane) - One of two entered by trainer Bruce Headley and the pair will race uncoupled. Gelding was away slowly and raced well once away in his well-bet debut on Dec. 26. Training very fast for this and he's a win threat.