Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (KINER'S KORNER) (5-2) - Gelding was entered and scratched last week to await this spot. He tired when debuting facing tougher Dec 12 and has some changes today that point us to him. He returns as a NEW gelding, for a barn (Jeremiah Englehart) that wins at a 26% rate off of long layoffs. Trainer adds blinkers (28%) and he drops him down in class (29%). The presence of leading rider Jose Ortiz is just another plus.
2nd pick: #7 (Starago) (4) - Long time maiden has been competitive in four straight at and around this level. One-run type has faced some tougher fields than this recently and must be considered dangerous.
3rd pick: #8 (Caelifera) (3-1) - Speedy sort has finished third in two straight racing at this level. Trainer Bruce Brown is cutting him back in distance and adds blinkers for the first time.
4th pick: #3 (Take Me Away) (20-1) - Longshot has raced evenly in both starts and was less than a length behind 'Caelifera' last out. Home bred has blinkers added and may grab a share at a big price.