Top pick: #8 (LIKE A STORM) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he showed good early speed before tiring in his debut, then rallied to finish second last out facing tougher. Owner/trainer/breeder Jerry Cart stretches him out to a mile and is the choice for the win.
2nd pick: #4 (Monsieur Hood) (3-1) - He comes off a career best when he rallied from just off the pace to finish second here at this tag going 7 furlongs. He's a much better horse since returning from almost a 5 month break on Dec. 5 and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Lucky Laser) (5-1) - Nice effort two back saw him finish second, beaten a length racing at this level, a contest where the winner came right back to take another. He went evenly last out in the same Jan. 4 as "Storm" and was 8 back of that rival. Needs to repeat his "figure" on Dec. 12 to have any shot.
4th pick: #6 (Bang Bang Bertie) (7-2) - Fair Grounds shipper has been disappointing of late and will get a bit of relief this evening facing weaker fields than he's been in against racing in New Orleans. Obvious factor, but will be over-bet.
5th pick: #2 (Prince Isaac Max) (8-1) - He was a bit "keyed up" before debuting here Dec. 29, but ran evenly while finishing 4 1/2 back of "Monsieur." Normal second-out improvement can have him in this at a square price.