Top pick: #2 (BODEMEISTER) - He finished second to today's rival "American Act" when debuting in a sprint here on Jan. 16, but was a visually impressive maiden winner when he broke his maiden here on Feb. 11 by just over 9 lengths. That win came at this distance and over a strong group. He moves way up in class this afternoon, but may be a very talented individual. The top pick in an excellent field, he's one of two entered by trainer Bob Baffert and the pair will race uncoupled.
2nd pick: #7 (Creative Cause) - At this point in time, the two favorites for this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) are last year's 2-year-old champ Hansen (who recently won the Gotham G2) at Aqueduct, and "Union Rags", who won his seasonal debut at Gulfstream in style in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). This grey son of "Giant's Causeway" finished a length behind them in The Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill on Nov. 5. He rallied to finish third in the (G2) San Vicente Stakes here 20 days ago in his seasonal debut, and that should serve as a perfect "prep" for this He's come back with a pair of blazing works and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Midnight Transfer) - Price play has won two in a row on this surface, including the 6 furlong San Pedro Stakes back on Jan. 22. Speed/stalker is working beautifully for this as he makes his first start around two turns. Can factor at a big price.
4th pick: #6 (Liaison) - The second of the Baffert pair, he went 3-for-4 last year including a neck win in the $1,000,000 Cash Call Futurity (G1) at Hollywood Park on Dec. 17. Son of "Indian Charlie" lost rider Marty Garcia when making his seasonal debut on Feb. 4, but is training fast for this and colt broke his maiden on this surface last October.