Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (CLOSE THEDEAL) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Dave Fawkes and the pair race uncoupled. Stalker drops after a good effort here for a $50K tag Jan. 5. State bred is back on short notice and gets the cal with Irad Ortiz Jr back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #7 (Proud O'Paddy) (9-2) - Filly stretches out in distance and moves up in class. She rallied while wide to miss by a length when debuting here in a 5 furlong grass sprint for a $20K tag Jan. 1. Trainer Joe Orseno moves her up in price and has Jose Ortiz aboard, a sign that the barn likes this one's chances.
3rd pick: #8 (Ciomara) (12-1) - Longshot raced evenly here for a $50K tag Dec. 26. Filly has races in her past that make her a threat at a big price if repeatable.
4th pick: #4 (Dudacity) (8-1) - The second of the Dave Fawkes pair, she moves to the grass while stretching out in distance. Her dirt debut was useful and filly is bred to like the surface switch.