Top pick: #5 (NATALIE VICTORIA) (7-2) - She was claimed again last out, so is making her third straight start for a new trainer. Veteran mare was an easy winner here for a $12.5K tag on Dec. 22nd in her second back from a 5 1/2 month layoff, and that made her three for seven on this surface. Claimed that day by Michelle Nevin, she's given her five weeks of rest and gives her a hefty raise in price. Fresh, back in shape, and I like her chances.
2nd pick: #6 (The Best Option) (5-1) - No speed type rallied to finish fourth of eight, beaten just over two lengths facing tougher here on Jan. 10th. It was her first since late Nov. at Hawthorne, first for trainer Bruce Levine, and first outside of the Midwest. He drops her down, and this longer distance is a plus with her late running style.
3rd pick: #3 (Rodinia) (6-1) - One of two entered by trainer Rudy Rodriguez, and the pair race uncoupled. She has a speed/stalking style, and ran a carer best when defeating weaker here on Dec. 29th. In shape, and in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (What the Frost) (9-2) - The second of the Rodriguez pair, her figures are a bit "light," but her stalking style fits and she could factor at a square price.