Top pick: #3 (VAN DIEN AVENUE) (5-2) - Filly was much improved last out when trainer Jim Cassidy switched her to the turf for her first since tiring when debuting on the Del Mar "poly" in late August. Barn send her a bit farther this afternoon and she looks set for a big effort.
2nd pick: #1 (Maddog Maddie) (5-1) - She ran a career best when finishing fourth here at this level and distance on Nov. 11. Race was her first on the grass, first around two-turns, and owner/trainer/breeder Mark Glatt has her on the improve.
3rd pick: #8 (Majestic Jewel) (7-2) - Trainer John Sadler has freshened-up this filly for the past two months, and he'll send her a bit longer in her return from the brief vacation. Filly showed some speed before tiring in her debut, then was off "slowly" in her second appearance. Working nicely for her return and think she'll factor in this spot.
4th pick: #9 (Qiaona) (4-1) - Yet another trying the grass for the first time and this filly has been competitive on both dirt and "poly" in her six race career. It's a positive that Bejarano gets aboard for the first time.