Top pick: #2 (MACH SEVEN) (5-2) - Lightly-raced gelding by "Derby" and "Preakness" winner "Big Brown" set a pressured pace and tired to finish third here on Dec. 20 facing a bit tougher at this trip. Race was a career best and came first off a Joe Parker claim. He drops this 4-year-old down today and he appears to be the main speed.
2nd pick: #1 (Muscles Marinara) (3-1) - The number of starts (12 so far) are beginning to mount up, but he fits of "figures," draws the rail, and meets a very weak field this afternoon. Blinkers go on and he's a win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Go to the Net) (12-1) - Six-year-old is racing for the 30th time and has gone 21-0-2-4 on the dirt and is 7-0-2-1 on this surface. No-speed type finished fourth in his latest and would benefit if the front runners come back to the field turning for home.
4th pick: #6 (Prime Time City) (10-1) - Lightly-raced grey gelding has a bit of speed and runs today at a new low in price off a seven week freshening. His trainer (Dave Cannizzo) has done well at this meet from his below average stock and this 4-year-old should be competitive against this group.