Top pick: #3 (SUGGESTIVE BOY) (5-2) - Argentine-bred has gone (4-2-1-0) on the grass since coming from his native country late in 2011. Last out he rallied from well back to win the "Arcadia" (G2) on this surface, at this distance on Feb. 2. Race was his first in three months and trainer Ron McAnally has him in "tip top" shape for this $300K stakes.
2nd pick: #8 (Mr. Commons) (3-1) - Hard-hitting home-bred missed by a neck in the 2012 edition of this G1 and when last in action on Nov. 3, he was beaten 3 lengths in the "Breeders' Cup Turf Mile" (G1), a contest won by eventual "Horse of the Year" Wise Dan. Obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Vagabond Shoes) (12-1) - Irish-bred had a solid career (20-6-2-3) before coming to North America and he was a bit "rank" last out in the "Arcadia"(G2), which was his first race in this country and came off a five month layoff. Working fast since for trainer John Sadler and he could factor at a big price.
4th pick: #7 (Wilkinson) (9-2) - He finished 2 1/2 back of "Suggestive Boy" last out and had a tough outside post that afternoon. Working fast since, he needs to do a bit better during the stretch run.
5th pick: #2 (Fed Biz) (9-2) - Very hard call on this runner. He has by far the best early speed, but will need to do it in a surface he's never raced on before. Graded stakes winner is bred to handle the grass and is very dangerous if he does.