Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (LACE) (7-2) - She ships up from the So. California circuit where daughter of 'Hard Spun' has been tiring against tougher on the grass. She runs off a trainer switch to Jed Josephson (21% with new arrivals in 2018-19), and he drops her in class while shortening her up in her first local attempt.
2nd pick: #5 (Miss Ski) (10-1) - Longshot is one of five making their debuts, and this filly has been in steady training here since mid-November. She's breezed six times since then, and trainer Bill Della has won at a 20% clip first out since Jan. 1 of 2018.
3rd pick: #8 (Cherokee Chatter) (6-1) - Another of the first-time-starters, she's from a capable barn (Tim McCanna), and this Washington worked a near bullet half-mile here in :48 flat, second best of 77 at the distance the morning of Nov. 24.
4th pick: #6 (Trouble N Paradise) (3-1) - Home bred rallied to finish 2nd when debuting here for a $12,500 tag Nov. 28. Trainer Steve Sherman, 20% second time out, doubles her up in price for this attempt.
5th pick: #7 (In It For Life) (9-2) - Tommy Town home bred has worked here six times since Nov. 15 in preparation for her debut. In a winning barn (Jon Wong), he's won at a 16% clip with 'firsters' in 2018-19.