Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (LLANITA) (7-2) - English import missed by a 'neck' here at this level and distance Dec. 18. It was her first in two months and first off a trainer change to Patrick Biancone. In her follow up race Jan. 15, she checked in a close up 4th while having some serious traffic problems. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Sweet Ella) (3-1) - Since last April, this daughter of 'Scat Daddy' has gone 8-3-3-0, all on the grass at various levels and distances. She won a high-end starter-allowance here Dec. 22 in what was a career best overall. She's in the Pletcher barn and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Church Social) (6-1) - Lightly raced daughter of 'Pulpit' is training steadily on the Payson Park turf for her first facing winners. 4yo broke her maiden at this distance Nov. 27 at Aqueduct and is a factor if ready.
4th pick: #1 (Somethingelse) (5-1) - One run type has gone 7-2-3-1, all on the grass. In her one subpar effort, she raced evenly in a stakes Nov. 5. Has the rail, fits on 'figures,' and Castellano sticks with her.