Top pick: #12 (COUNTING DAYS) (7-2) - Once much classier type just missed here at this level and distance on Nov. 13. It was his first at lower class and this gelding has enough early speed to not let this outside post hurt his chances. He meets a weak field and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Cacau) (5-1) - Stretch out sprinter rallied to finish second here at this level going 6-furlongs on Nov. 8. It was his second back from a pair of layoffs this grey gelding also was a classier runner at one point. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Fonz) (9-2) - He's racing back into shape following a long layoff and showed some life in his latest. Working fast for this attempt and Bejarano sticks with him.
4th pick: #8 (Go Black Tie) (6-1) - Gelding ran very poorly last out at Santa Anita just when he seemed to be coming around. He moves out in the gate and the switch from dirt to "poly" is a positive one.
5th pick: #1 (Warren's Casper) (12-1) - Longshot has no early speed but is working nicely for his first since Sept. 14 and may rally for a share at a big price.