Top pick: #5 (COTTON VALLEY) (8-5) - California invader is racing off a two month break and has a new trainer (Lou Linder) for his local debut. Gelding by "High Cotton" has been competitive in three of four starts in claimers and is capable on real dirt. New barn had her work a half-mile here Dec. 14 and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Bachman Billy) (3-1) - Speedy and lightly-raced, he tired badly in his latest when attempting a two-turn distance for the first time. Colt had been much more competitive when sprinting and trainer Alf Velazquez drops him to a new low while shortening him back up.
3rd pick: #2 (John's Cross) (4-1) - He rallied to finish second when debuting here at this distance facing tougher on July 26th. He's yet to repeat that fine effort but has been in against Special Weights in all four outings. Excellent barn (Phil Aristone) has freshened him up since Oct. 19 and has him working steadily. Home bred by "Northern Afleet" is dropping into a claimer for the first time and must be left in the mix.