Top pick: #5 (CITY COOL) - Has extensive experience on real dirt and has run well in all 5 of his starts. Latest saw him win a stakes race at Sunland Park Dec. 28 in the best performance of his career. Champion trainer (Steve Asmussen) brings him back quickly for this and his recent win came at this distance. Looks very tough to beat in this spot.
2nd pick: #7 (Arcadian) - Speedy invader from Turf Paradise tries a new level today facing much tougher opponents then he has in his first two wins. Gelding had an extremely fast work in Arizona Jan. 10 before coming here and it's of note that they get Pat Valenzuela to ride him this afternoon. His speed must be respected.
3rd pick: #6 (Mr. Artistic MD) - Undefeated gelding by "Mr. Greeley" is working fast on the local surface for this attempt as trainer Kathy Walsh moves him well up in class for this attempt. One-run type needs a fast pace to help his style out.