Is Jeff Ruby Steaks favorite Somelikeithotbrown a single?

Turfway Park's Grade 3, $200,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, formerly known as Spiral Stakes, is not the most prestigious of Kentucky Derby preps, but earlier placement on the calendar this year should allow its winner to further test the waters into the spring, or simply get a graded stakes win under his belt. A few stand out in the 1 1/8-mile race on synthetic, especially one coming back from the local John Battaglia Memorial.

Here's who I'll be backing at the windows Saturday:

Somelikeithotbrown (8-5) switched to turf after an unsuccessful debut and went on to become multiple graded stakes-placed, including a close third on the front end in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He became a minor stakes winner but looked much the best in the Battaglia Memorial trying the Polytrack for the first time on Feb. 15. Now, the Mike Maker trainee is back for more. He is likely to have some company on the front end, but I'm confident he'll relax just like last time, making the son of Big Brown the top win contender.

Dynamic Racer (15-1) chased Somelikeithotbrown in the Battaglia Memorial, and and he appears to have an upset shot given tactical speed, running either on or near the lead with speedsters like Five Star General shipping in this time. Before his second in the Battaglia, Dynamic Racer won in allowance optional claiming company over this track. The son of Run Away and Hide has done his best running locally and should enjoy a bit more distance Saturday. Don't overlook him.

Skywire (3-1) is 2-for-2 for trainer Mark Casse, breaking his maiden on Woodbine's synthetic before winning again more recently Feb. 13 over Gulfstream Park's main track. The colt worked for this spot at the Casse Training Center in Ocala, Fla., breezing a snappy half mile on Feb. 26 to show he's coming back sharp. Given his off-the-pace running style, this could be your winner if the first two can't hang on late.

Finally, Curlin Grey (10-1) isn't a horse I'm considering for the win spot with the other three, but in his seven starts the son of Curlin has become one who can pick up the pieces. Most recently, the Kenny McPeek trainee ran third in an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream behind well-regarded Global Campaign and Standard Deviation. This will mark a first start on the Polytrack, but if anything, lack of kickback should help.

Overall, I'm expecting a contested pace and close finish, with the first two hoping to hang on. Somelikeithotbrown will rightfully be a heavily bet favorite -- for me, he's a likely single -- and in vertical wagers I'll focus on Dynamic Racer, Skywire, Curlin Grey and Dabo underneath.