Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (DAS DA ONE) (7-5) - He's switching from grass to dirt while shortening up in distance for this attempt. The 4yo chased the pace and held to finish second here going 8.5 furlongs on the turf for a $20K tag Dec. 26. Claimed that afternoon by Bob Hess Jr., he drops him down and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Tropical Tapistry) (9-2) - Blinkers go on this 4yo who finished third of seven, beaten 3 lengths here at this $12,500 claiming price and 6-furlong distance Jan 18. It was a career best and he's back on a quick turnaround and has Irad Ortiz Jr staying aboard.
3rd pick: #1 (Talking Zip) (6-1) - Another runner adding blinkers, this colt has been a major disappointment. A $175,000 purchase by 'City Zip', he tired last out to finish 9 lengths behind 'Tropical Tapistry' Jan. 18. However, it had the look of a conditioning race as he was hard ridden every step in his first since July 22. Think he'll factor at a square price.
4th pick: #5 (Codeseventyseven) (8-1) - A $200K 4yo by 'Algorithms', he showed nothing when debuting here at this tag Dec. 21. Claimed that afternoon by Aubrey Maragh, the trainer is having a solid meet and has won with 5 of 13 (38%) off the claim over the past 13 months.