Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (TWO DOWN ONE TO GO) (3-1) - Improving sort moves up in class following a 2nd place finish here at this trip Jan. 5 for a $16K tag. It eared him a career best figure, and Jose Ortiz stays aboard. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Ballivor) (6-1) - Gelding by 'Hard Spun' is racing second back from a four-month layoff. He finished a troubled 3rd here at this level in his return Dec. 16 and was claimed that afternoon by Michelle Nevin (19%). Fits and is a win candidate at a square price.
3rd pick: #7 (Motown Sound) (7-2) - Grey colt chased and held down the place spot here Dec. 16. He was three lengths in front of 'Ballivor' that afternoon, and this son of 'Unbridled's Song' must be considered a strong factor.
4th pick: #10 (Pursuer) (5-1) - Very lightly raced, state bred is taking a drop in class and is stretching out in distance. I would like him a bit more, but his outside post and lack of two-turn experience is a negative.