Top pick: #1 (CHARGING HERO) - Speedy veteran has been freshened up since Dec. 31 when he was an easy winner here racing for $16K. Much improved since a claim by Juan Guerrero, this gelding moves up in class to try an entry-level allowance. Very tough to beat if he repeats his latest.
2nd pick: #7 (Send Him In) - He's won two in a row since switching trainers to Scott Lake and changing over to real dirt. Has good early speed, a nice post to use it from and he should be in this from start to finish.
3rd pick: #6 (Mas Macho) - Very consistent gelding finished 2nd at this level Jan. 3 and has been freshened up for the past two months by trainer Ron Dandy. Five-year-old has a flexible style and is a big threat if he brings his best.