Top pick: #8 (ARTHUR) (7-2) - Gelding has faced much tougher his entire career and last out he pressed a solid pace after breaking from a tough outside post in a two-turn grass race here racing for a $35K tag. Race was his first in five months and trainer Kathy Ritvo brings him back quickly, drops him way down, and switches him back to the dirt.
2nd pick: #4 (Money in Action) (12-1) - He exits the same Dec. 5 turf race as "Arthur" and tired badly showing some early speed. Lightly raced, that was an improved overall effort last out and he takes the same drop and moves back to the dirt. "Live" longshot.
3rd pick: #5 (Cashel Back) (8-1) - This is start No. 25 and he's finished in the money in two of his last four at this tag. He has some speed and another minor award is possible.
4th pick: #6 (Giacomo the Great) (6-1) - Venezuelan-bred colt runs for the first time since Sept. 3 and has a new trainer (Jesus Chavez). 3-year-old has been competitive in three of six (all at this level) and had a fast half-mile breeze on Dec. 8 at Calder.