Top pick: #9 (BEACH FEVER) (9-5) - The probable favorite, lightly-raced filly was a winner this past summer facing tougher at Del Mar but was disqualified and placed second. Freshened up since a poor effort at Santa Anita Oct. 13, she's taking a big drop and does so with blinkers on. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Badwater) (4-1) - Home bred hasn't shown much in three career outings but all have come facing much tougher Special Weights. Trainer John Shirreffs drops her into a claimer for the first time, has her moving from turf to dirt, and it's a plus that Victor Espinoza stays aboard.
3rd pick: #1 (Heaveneleven) (12-1) - He's working extremely fast locally for his first since Oct. 12. Gelding has some positional speed, draws the rail, and fits with his best "figures" with all but "Beach Fever." Can factor at a big price.
4th pick: #4 (Ace Deuce) (10-1) - Big longshot is lightly raced and a capable barn (Vann Belvoir) stretches him out in distance and has him racing on the dirt, both for the first time. May get a share at a very big price.