Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (LOOKIN AT ROSES) (4-1) - Lightly raced 4yo has been freshened up for the past three months by Dan Gargan. Ramsey home bred has had excuses in his last pair and is taking a big drop in price for this attempt. Gargan is having a great meet (20-7-3-3, 35%), and he has leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard on a re-ride.
2nd pick: #7 (Traffic Trouble) (5-2) - The morning line and probable favorite, he finished 4th here facing tougher Jan. 2 and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Castellano stays aboard, and this $80,000 purchase is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Duellist) (6-1) - His lack of speed is apparent, but he's been competitive in two straight at the meet. A fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out if he's to achieve more than a minor award.
4th pick: #6 (Hail Michigan) (9-2) - A lightly raced home bred by 'Bernardini,' he raced evenly for twice this tag Jan. 16. Trainer Barclay Tagg drops his price in half, and he must be left in the mix.