Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (HOT SQUAD) (2-1) - Speedy colt has been freshened up since Dec. 19th when he had a 'troubled' break and wide trip here facing tougher. Competitive in three races in Kentucky prior to that, trainer Ed Kenneally drops him into a claimer, and is adding both blinkers and leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.
2nd pick: #6 (Midnight Surfer) (8-5) - From the barn of leading trainer Rudy Rodriguez, $200,000 purchase is another dropping into a claimer. Colt finished a solid 2nd here in the mud facing tougher at this distance Jan. 16th. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Holiday Prince) (5-1) - Well bet when debuting here Jan. 30th, he tired badly after rushing up following a poor beginning. Trainer Steve Asmussen (25% second time out) drops him into a claimer (23%). May grab a share.
4th pick: #3 (Storm Net) (15-1) - Longshot hasn't raced since late November at Woodbine and has some changes today. Colt has a new trainer (George Weaver), is racing on real dirt, and in a claimer, both for the first time. Home bred also has some nice works on view.