Top pick: #5 (NIGHT SONG) (5-2) - Lightly raced grey mare comes off a very strong effort here at this level and distance Dec. 28th. She had to drop far back after 'hopping' at the start, then closed strongly into a moderate pace to check in second of 14, beaten by a length. Daughter of 'Midnight Lute' can take this with an alert break.
2nd pick: #11 (Sumba Sunset) (8-1) - Stakes performer is dropping in class following a troubled trip here in the $75K "Tropical Park Oaks" Dec. 20th. Daughter of 'Street Cry' draws a tough outside post, but has enough positional gate speed to get a good spot heading into the first turn. Contends today.
3rd pick: #10 (Zloty) (4-1) - Unraced for just a bit more than 15-months, she was competitive in all three starts during 2013. Lightly raced, she has a new trainer (Todd Pletcher 22% with new arrivals), and he has her working nicely at Palm Beach Downs for her return. Barn wins at a 22% clip off of long layoffs, and it's noted that J.J. Castellano is aboard.
4th pick: #8 (The Conception) (12-1) - Speedy sort tired last out after setting/pressing a solid pace here going a longer distance Dec. 23rd. Filly had been much sharper (3-0-2-1) prior to that and should be involved from start-to-finish at long odds.
5th pick: #7 (Can't Explain) (10-1) - On the sidelines since early Sept., filly has run well 'fresh' in the past. Mare by 'Not For Love' is training well for her return and is a stretch threat if ready.