Top pick: #3 (THE FACTOR) - Highly thought of last spring as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, he won the (G2) San Vicente here at this distance a year ago, and followed that up with an impressive win at Oaklawn Park in the (G2) Rebel Stakes in his first start around two-turns. Heavily favored in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his next out he wsa injured while running fifth and did not race again until late August. He's 2-for-4 since coming back and both wins came at today's 7-furlong distance. He was a very impressive winner here the day after Christmas in the (G1) Malibu Stakes and that ran his record to a perfect 3-for-3 at this trip. Working fast and he can best "Amazombie" with a repeat of that performance.
2nd pick: #2 (Amazombie) - As consistent as any sprinter around, he's gotten better with age and last out he capped a great year by winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint(G1) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5. Working fast for this and he's 3-for-5 on this strip. Obvious win contender if ready off the 3 1/2 moth layoff.