Top pick: #9 (DYLAN WARD) (3-1) - Colt rallied to finish fourth despite a poor start and a tough outside post going 8.5-furlongs on the Keeneland turf Oct. 18. It was his first since late Feb. and he's making his West Coast debut for a new trainer (Vann Belvoir). He gets a slight edge in a competitive contest.
2nd pick: #8 (Moonlight Meeting) (8-1) - One of several lightly raced and well bred maidens, he's been bet in both starts and last out showed excellent early speed before weakening in the final furlong. Son of "Malibu Moon" has a shot at a squarte price.
3rd pick: #4 (Monsieur Power) (12-1) - Irish import was very sharp in his North American debut here at this distance on Sept. 1. He followed that up with a poor effort at Santa Anita but had legitimate excuses. He had an awkward start from a tough post (12th of 12) and was never able to get involved. Working nicely for his first in seven weeks and he can factor at long odds.
4th pick: #5 (Simon Kenton) (5-1) - Son of "Empire Maker" stretches out in distance, goes dirt to turf, has blinkers added, and is making back-to-back starts for the first time. He's shown some ability in both outings and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #11 (Wicked Finance) (6-1) - He draws yet another tough post but this veteran maiden enters off a series of competitive efforts at this level. More than capable of impacting if he avoids a wide journey.