1. Express Kid (3-1 odds on the morning line): The California-bred colt was purchased last month during a Fasig-Tipton digital flash sale for $800,000 and turned over to a new trainer. These moves followed a stunning victory in the Remington Springboard Mile Stakes in December, when he romped 6 ¼ lengths and achieved great speed. He hadn’t done much before then, but his workouts at Sunland Park in recent weeks indicate he could be legit.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernández; TRAINER: Justin Evans
2. Sharon Beach (10-1): After showing little in two starts in Virginia last summer, this gelding ran much better in his 3-year-old debut Jan. 23 at Santa Anita Park, losing a 6 ½-furlong sprint by a neck to an opponent who went on to win his next start. He has the pedigree to stretch and Hall of Famer John Velazquez flies in to drive. An upset candidate.
JOCKEY: John Velázquez; TRAINER: Jonathan Thomas
3. Pavlovian (8-1): Made eight starts in California for trainer Doug O’Neill, who won this race three times. All but one race came against Cal-breds, and in his three-year arc he finished third in the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, held at 1 1/16 miles. He has had a slow start in his three most recent races and cannot afford another one here. Adds blinders, which will hopefully help.
JOCKEY: Edwin Maldonado TRAINER: Doug O’Neill
4. Forty twenty (6-1): Hailing from Turf Paradise, Arizona, where he dominated nine opponents in a maiden race on January 15, winning by 12 lengths with a 1-10 lead. He faces a tough climb here and will likely try to win this race from gate to wire.
JOCKEY: Orlando Mojica; TRAINER: Robertino Diodoro
5. Much Further (4-1): Comes from a nose loss in the Riley Allison Derby held at one mile on this track, a race in which he led down the stretch but was unable to hold off Daneyko. Encounter that enemy again, but also several formidable newcomers moving in from out of state. Connections must be respected.
JOCKEY: Keith Asmussen; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen
6. Bricklin (7-2): Was withdrawn from the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park last week to run here. He comes in after leading by 3 ¼ lengths in a one-mile optional claim race at Oaklawn, which was his three-year-old debut and a much better performance in his three starts in 2025. Red-hot jockey Cristian Torres was aboard the win at Oaklawn and travels to ride on Sunday.
JOCKEY: Christian Torres; TRAINER: Rodolphe Brisset
7. Daneyko (9-2): Won the Riley Allison Derby at this track last month ahead of Way Beyond and finished strong with Sunland’s current leading rider Alfredo Juarez Jr. on board. Previously raced mainly at Turf Paradise with some success. A hard working type who is facing a class leap against some of these out of state shippers. Can hit the board with a top effort.
JOCKEY: Alfredo Juarez Jr.; TRAINER: Edward Kereluk
8. Buntus Foclora (12-1): Named after a children’s dictionary that teaches Irish vocabulary (and a clever twist on his father’s name, Thousand Words), Colt hails from New York, where he is winless after five career starts. Has experience racing a mile and a half, but honestly hasn’t really shown a winning kick. Was able to pass some tiring runners late, but secured the win – or bua – would be a surprise.
JOCKEY: Reylu Gutierrez; TRAINER: Amelia Green
THE CHOICE: Express child
LIVE LONG SHOT: Sharons Beach
SUPERFECT: 1-6-2-7
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