Top pick: #9 (I SCREAM RUSHTON) (8-5) - He showed some early speed before tiring against much tougher at the Fair Grounds in late Nov. Winning barn (Karl Broberg) drops her way down in class and has local go-to rider (C.J. Hernandez). The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #11 (Noble Asset) (7-2) - Filly is on the also-eligible list and needs one scratch in the main body to compete. Heavily backed in both starts, she's tired badly in each. Capable barn (Scott Gelner) removes her blinkers and she can factor if in.
3rd pick: #5 (Ide Declaire) (7-2) - Lightly-raced filly is taking the same big drop as "I Scream Rushton." She's raced evenly in her first pair facing tougher and is a win candidate in today's opener.
4th pick: #3 (Supercilious) (8-1) - One of three fillies making their debuts, she's been in steady training here since early October. May grab a share at a big price if ready.
5th pick: #8 (Rebel Aire) (6-1) - She raced evenly here when debuting at this tag and trip in late October. On the sidelines since, this field drew tough for the price tag and a small slice is her ceiling.