Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (CHEEKY CHERUB) (3-1) - Daughter of 'Pioneer of the Nile' is working steadily at the Palm Meadows Center for her first since debuting Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs. $200,000 purchase rallied while wide to finish 2nd that day to a filly who has since become a stakes winner. Trainer Ed Kenneally wins at a 23% rate second time out, and this filly should like the additional furlong.
2nd pick: #6 (Ridgeline Hope) (10-1) - Longshot raced very wide when debuting Nov. 25 at Churchill going six furlongs. She was beaten 12.5 lengths, but the winner scored by 10. Trainer Dale Romans is having a fine meet, and he has leading rider Luis Saez aboard.
3rd pick: #3 (Greater Glory) (9-2) - Bred for speed, filly comes from the barn of Jay Servis (12 for 41, 29%, first out during the previous year). Can factor if ready.
4th pick: #1 (Alter Moon) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, she finished a pace-setting 2nd here Dec. 10 at this level going six furlongs. Ignored on the board (30-1) that afternoon, she worked well above average Dec. 23. An obvious contender, but the rail post out of the chute is not a plus.