Top pick: #8 (FORCE FREEZE) - Professional sprinter has really adopted to real dirt since coming here from the mid-east last spring. He's (3-1-2-0) in this country and was beaten a neck in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5. Trainer Pete Walder has this 7-year-old training very fast locally for his return and this 7 furlong distance looks made to order. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Troilus) - Lightly raced, talented, and he's still improving. He's un-defeated (3-for-3) since joining the barn of Marty Wolfson and this son of "Speightstown" is 2-for-2 here this winter. Four-year-old colt is working fast for this and is in the mix.
3rd pick: #2 (Capt. Candyman Can) - Professional sprinter has been sparingly raced the past two years due to injuries. This distance is is favorite (6-5-0-0) and his last victory came here last April when he won a small stake. Big threat down the stretch.