Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (HOMESPUN HERO) (7-2) - He's one of two entered by trainer Barclay Tagg and the pair race uncoupled. Colt is moving from turf to dirt, dropping in class, and shortening up in distance. Son of 'Hard Spun' showed some talent when debuting on the Aqueduct dirt last Nov facing better. Both blinkers and Castellano are added.
2nd pick: #8 (Beaukati) (3-1) - The second of the Tagg pair, he chased and rallied late to finish second of eight, beaten a length here at this tag and trip Dec 17. A career best, Tagg worked him five times at Palm Meadows during the month of January. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Star Charlie) (4-1) - He raced both wide and evenly when debuting here on a sloppy track facing a bit tougher Jan 10. Trainer Ed Plesa Jr. is 7 for 21(33%) second time out drops him in class and he breaks from the rail.
4th pick: #5 (Mr Changue) (6-1) - He's finished second in both starts, the latest here facing a bit weaker Jan 3. Stalker is a threat, but believe he'll need to pick it up some this afternoon.