Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (BUTTER HUT) (2-1) - A very lightly raced 4yo, he's working very fast locally since tiring at the Fair Grounds sprinting on the grass facing 'open' company Dec. 7. He was sharp here in both at this level prior to that and think he can win this gate-to-wire style.
2nd pick: #3 (Smiling Song) (9-5) - The slight morning-line favorite, he's finished second in two straight here at this level and did so at this distance Nov 14. Stalker earned a career-best figure Jan 8 and is an obvious win candidate in what looks like a two-horse race on paper.
3rd pick: #2 (Picacho Peak) (10-1) - 5yo moves way up in class after breaking his maiden here at this distance Jan. 4 for a $10K tag. It was his first since March 21, first in a claimer, and first local appearance. He looks next best in this small field.