Top pick: #2 (MARSH CREEK) (2-1) - The probable favorite, he rallied while wide to contend for the lead but tired in the last 1/16th to finish fourth. Nice debut and the leading trainer at this meet (Todd Pletcher) wins at a 28% rate second time out.
2nd pick: #1 (Hi Speed Chase) (10-1) - Befitting his name, this colt has a lot of early speed and is working fast for his first start since Dec. 13. Has the rail and I believe that he's a win candidate at a square price.
3rd pick: #3 (Ireland's Eye) (8-1) - One of two entered by trainer J.P. Terranova II and the pair race uncoupled. Colt has early speed, goes turf to dirt, has blinkers added, and he's making back-to-back starts for the first time.
4th pick: #5 (Sherifco) (8-1) - The second of the Terranova pair, he exits the same last race as "Marsh Creek." Colt showed some early speed after being bumped at the break and also had some traffic issues approaching the half-mile pole. He's worked since and Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard. The trainer jockey combo has won with 9 of 36 25 this year.