Top pick: #9 (DAWLY) (3-1) - Veteran just missed last out at this level going 8.5-furlongs. He's cutting back to 7-furlongs and he has a fine record at it 9-2-4-1. Stretch runner draws a good outside post and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Songa) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he ships back from Tampa Bay Downs where he raced evenly in a $90K stakes. 5-year-old was very "keyed up" before the start and that's almost never a good thing. He'd won back-to-back starts here, including an impressive win at this level and trip on Dec. 23. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Early Entry) (12-1) - Stalker is back in shape after returning from almost an 8-month layoff in early November. He was a winner here at this trip facing weaker Jan 18 and it was a career best overall. Can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #5 (Silver Menace) (10-1) - He moves off the rail after a pair of competitive efforts at this level. One-run type finished second to "Songa" on Dec. 23, then rallied to finish fourth last despite some serious traffic issues. Stretch threat at long odds.