Top pick: #5 (DAGGER TATTOO) (5-2) - Colt has been competitive in three of four and has been freshened up since Nov. 16 when he finished fourth here racing for twice this price. Trainer Harlan Boutte drops him to a new low and 3-year-old can take this with his best.
2nd pick: #6 (Powerblock) (5-1) - He's been a bit of a handful in his past two starts, but did rally to finish a close up third here at this level on Dec. 8. In a good barn (Shane Wilson) and this gelding is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Squater) (7-2) - Nice effort last out saw him track within range, make a strong inside bid, and level off very late to finish fourth. Has the rail and should be in this turning for home.
4th pick: #3 (Little Comanche) (9-2) - Gelding ran evenly at long odds when debuting here facing state-bred special weights on Dec. 6. Trainer Terry Romero drops him way down for his second appearance and it's a concern that this 3-year-old hasn't worked since his first start.