Top pick: #9 (DEREK FEVER) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he's finished second three straight starts at this level going 5-furlongs. Stalker missed by a "nose" last out and the figure earned towers over this group. The only question is this longer distance (6.5-furlongs).
2nd pick: #6 (Imalotlikemybrother) (6-1) - He missed by a "head" when debuting here facing weaker going 5-furlongs Dec. 23. He's moving up in class and stretching out in distance. Can factor right back.
3rd pick: #7 (Fleet Charlie) (7-2) - Even-paced type has been competitive in five of his eight starts, He's finished third here in his last pair without threatening. Capable of getting another slice and maybe more if 'Derek" can't handle the longer distance.
4th pick: #8 (Catlab) (10-1) - He missed by a "nose" here as the favorite facing open $10K claimers going 7.5-furlongs on Jan 7. By far a career best and the figure earned puts him in the mix.
5th pick: #10 (Wow Wow Monster) (12-1) - Longshot has early speed and is racing second off almost a seven month layoff. Barn stretches him out in distance and he can factor if allowed to get an easy early lead.