Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (VICTORY STRIPE) (4-1) - He rallied to finish second here at this tag and trip Jan. 23 in his first since Nov. 16 and in his first local attempt. Oklahoma bred had raced evenly last Fall in three starts at Remington Park facing state breds and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Whiskeyforbreakfast) (2-1) - Tough call as we have a $150K gelding by 'Street Sense' debuting for a $10,000 price tag so he obviously has some major issues. That said, he's from a very good barn, Joel Berndt and trainer has won with 3 of 10 (30%) first-time-starters since Jan. 1 of 2019. 3yo could win this for fun or not 'run a lick'.
3rd pick: #6 (It'smyluckymoment) (9-2) - He didn't fire last out when beaten just over 13 lengths here at this level and distance Jan. 23. Lightly raced 3yo was 9.5 lengths in back of 'Victory Stripe' that day but had shown some ability in his previous pair.
4th pick: #5 (Warriors Wolf) (7-2) - Colt finished third last out, a bit over 2 lengths behind 'Victory Stripe' but well in front of 'It'smyluckymoment'. He's improving and must be left in the mix.