Top pick: #7 (CENTER ON THE MOON) (5-1) - Gelding has been on the sidelines since late Dec. Four-year-old by "Malibu Moon" finished second that day at this level in his first off a Juan Guerrero claim. He gets a slight edge in a contentious race.
2nd pick: #8 (Princep Senatus) (3-1) - Home bred by "Unbridled's Song" is cutting back a furlong after finishing second at this level going a mile at Laurel on Jan. 31. Canadian bred is working fine and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Easy Ten) (1) - Santa Anita shipper has been freshened up since an even effort there going a mile on the turf Jan. 17. Home bred by "Rock Hard Ten" runs off a trainer change to Keith Nations (a 27% winning angle). Working well locally, it's noted his best start to date came on conventional dirt Dec. 7. Think he's a threat at a big price.
4th pick: #6 (So Valor) (5-1) - Since coming off a five month layoff in early Dec., gelding has gone 3-0-1-2 facing weaker. He has some early speed and had to be sent hard in his last pair from inside posts. Can factor with a bit of improvement.