Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (UNINVITED) (5-2) - Long time maiden has gone 10-0-4-3 racing on the dirt and is 4-0-1-2 at this distance. Stalker is racing third back following a pair of layoffs and has checked in second in both since returning. He gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Hollywod Strike) (10-1) - Longshot is moving from turf to dirt after a wide and even effort at this level and distance on the Santa Anita infield Oct 23. Nicely bred, he breaks from the rail and has a pair of sharp recent back-to-back works showing. Win candidate at a big price.
3rd pick: #3 (My Italian Babbo) (3-1) - Home bred is nearing his 5th birthday and has only stated once so far. Gelding rallied from far back to miss by a 'nose' Feb 11 at Santa Anita facing fellow Cal breds at this distance. On the sidelines since, he's working fast for new trainer Rich Baltas (21% with new arrivals and 20% off of long layoffs).
4th pick: #7 (Taniko) (4-1) - Debuting colt has a nice series of works showing. $260,000 son of 'Gio Ponti' is from the capable barn of Phil D'Amato (15% first out). First timer runs at a tough distance, but could factor if ready.