Top pick: #5 (CALIFORNIA CHROME) (3-1) - Cal.-bred enters this off a trio of smashing wins, the latest coming here going 8.5-furlongs in the "San Felipe" (G2) on March 8th. A career best, he earned this field's highest figure ever that afternoon. Working fast since, he has a flexible style and can punch his ticket to Louisville with a win this afternoon.
2nd pick: #6 (Candy Boy) (7-2) - He's another that enters off a career best when he rallied to win the local "R B Lewis" stakes (G2)on Feb. 8. Working fast for this and he's a strong win candidate in this rich "Derby."
3rd pick: #3 (Hoppertunity) (4-1) - Baffert trainee ships back from Arkansas where he won the G2 "Rebel" stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 15th. A career best, this lightly-raced colt is still improving and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Big Tire) (8-1) - Recent maiden winner did so from a tough outside post and edged three others in a four-horse "blanket" finish. By far a career best, he's worked well since, and son of "Candy Ride" should love this 1 1/8th mile trip.