Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (SHADES PLAY) (7-2) - He has the best early speed of those that have raced. Gelding finished third at this tag at Del Mar Nov. 27 in his west cost debut and first on conventional dirt. He tired here Dec. 29 after dueling through fast splits. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Rock On Dude) (3-1) - NEW gelding takes a big drop in class for his first since Oct 1. He showed nothing in both starts last fall facing tougher and his recent works suggest that he's ready to be competitive.
3rd pick: #3 (Rainbow Squall) (8-1) - Very sharp two back at this tag, he missed by a 'head' that day at this tag racing at Los Alamitos. He tired badly here in his follow up start, but can factor today with his 'A' game.
4th pick: #6 (Tavasco Road) (5-1) - One of three first-time starters, this Arizona bred is working fast and ships from Golden Gate Fields for a capable barn (Ed Moger Jr.). A factor if he runs to his a.m. drills.