By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

1^st race – (1) Irish Heartbeat has speed and the rail and should not look back. (7) Takethefifth closed nicely the last time and should be a main contender. (4) Master of Malice seems nicely bred for turf. (9) Lieutenant General could pull rank on  this field

2^nd race – (2) Porquerolles missed by a neck last time and gets the nod here. (4) Breakwater should be closing quickly at the end. (7) Rakia scored by a nose and could be suited by turf. (5) St. John’s fits nicely in this spot.

3^rd race - (1) Mirahmadi closed out 2023 in a grade 1 stakes with a second. Seems ready for a big effort in his 3-year-old debut. (3) Prado Road has speed and will be tough to catch. (7) Nasty Habit should pose a late threat. (5) Magic Express could be a main factor on his best try.

4^th race – (4) Apple Picker didn’t fire in a Grade 3 stakes at Aqueduct but can rebound with a big try here. (3) Disco Ebo is a top contender from sharp connections. (1) Royal Poppy has speed and will benefit from a rail trip. (6) Sweet Shild O Mine will appreciate this distance.

5^th race – (6) Barbtourage tries turf for the first time and should respond to the switch. (7) Rye Smile looks like the one to fear. (2) Marian Cross will be boosted by a return to turf. (8) Up for it should be in the picture at the end. 

6th race – Chick Lang Stakes (G3) - (6) Frost Free should be able to lead from start to finish. (2) Cats by Five is consistent and can grab the place spot. (7) Catahoula Moon is in great form right now. (1) Mr Skylight cannot be ignored from the rail.

7^th race – Gallorette Stakes (G3) - (7) Fluffy Socks is game and consistent. A winner over the course, she gets a long overdue victory here. (5) Tequilera has been away since December but is training nicely. (1) Sweet Dani Girl will be helped by a rail trip. (3) Blissful looms a big stretch threat.

8^th race – Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) - (2) Prevalence was a big winner at Keeneland and can handle this field with a similar effort. (1) Coastal Mission won his last and is capable of reeling off a winning streak. (4) Jaxon Traveler loves this course. (6) Prince of Jericho rarely turns in a poor effort.

9^th race – (10) Abrumar was hurt by a wide trip last time and can bounce back here. (1) Lucky Jeremy may have a liking for turf. (4) Twirling Point returns to turf and will be formidable. (6) Naptown is a horse you should not sleep on.

10^th race – (5) Corporate Power Looks like a 3-year-old with a bright future. (8) Tuscan Sky can rebound with a better try here. (9) Daily Grind is a maiden but can make his presence felt. (10) Imperial Gun fire in this field.

11^th race – (10) Charging switches to Irad and that should be a major difference. (12) Beer Can Man has the kind of late kick that makes him a big threat. (11) Witty seeks a third straight win and seems a smart play in the exotics. (6) Smooth B should move forward on turf.

12th race – Dinner Party Stakes (G3) - (5) Running Bee was a smart winner at Keeneland and can make it two in row in this spot. (10) Emmanuel has plenty of Grade 1 experience and has a class edge. (7) Adhamo is overdue for a solid effort. (4) Atone will be a force in the final furlong

13^th race – The Preakness Stakes (G1) - (9) Imagination is Baffert’s lone starter after the scratch of Muth. He’s  fresh and rested and showed some grit when second in the Santa Anita Derby. Should give Baffert another Preakness win. (8) Tuscan Gold has been pointed to this race since March and should respond with a huge try. (5) Mystik Dan exits a grueling win in the Kentucky Derby and be vulnerable – unless it rains. He’s a superior mudder. (2) Uncle Heavy has late speed and can close well enough to be part of the exotics.

14^th race – (2) Sheriff Ronnie runs in a claimer and seems like the best option in this field. (5) Frightland gets Saez and may emerge as the main rival. (7) Union Fleet figures to appreciate the added ground. (1) Armando R cannot be overlooked from  the rail.