Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (FLASH N GO) (3-1) - This mare enters off a second-place finish here at this level going a mile in the mud Dec. 26. It was a solid effort for the successful team of trainer Joel Berndt and jockey Tim Thornton and she gets a slight edge as she shortens up in distance.
2nd pick: #5 (Paddy O) (4-1) - Strong finisher makes her local debut after breaking her maiden going a mile Dec. 1 at Remington Park. Very lightly raced, she has a new trainer (Henry Johnson Jr.) and this grey filly has plenty of room for upside.
3rd pick: #3 (Five Star Factor) (8-1) - At one time back in the first half of 2017 this mare would have had little trouble beating this group. However, she's been racing poorly since the fall of that year and makes her local debut. In a good barn (Ron Moquett), he has Diego Saenz aboard and this 5yo by 'The Factor' is a threat with a repeat of some of her old form.
4th pick: #7 (Zarelda) (7-2) - Home bred was an easy 8.5 length winner when debuting here in a 5-furlong sprint Dec. 27. She earned a solid first out figure, is from a winning out-fit (Bev Burress) and must be left in the mix.