Top pick: #2 (WARREN'S CLIFF S.) (7-2) - He was a winner here going a mile for a $10K tag on Dec. 9. It was his first after shipping from the So. California circuit and first for trainer Scott Lake. Gelding followed that up with a wide and even effort for a $12.5k claiming price Dec. 30. Freshened up since, trainer Scott Lake drops him down to a new low. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Street Invader) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he's taking a big drop in class for this attempt. Speed/stalker has tired badly in his last pair facing starter-allowance foes. The last time he ran with a tag he was an easy 6 1/2 length winner at Penn National Oct. 24. Drops and is a strong win threat.
3rd pick: #8 (Intrepido) (20-1) - Longshot is stretching back out of a pair of 7-furlong races at this level. He's best going longer and has a shot at a big price if "Street Invader" lets him go to the front.
4th pick: #5 (Dreaming of Andy A) (8-1) - "Andy" ships from Florida where he was a winner at Gulfstream Dec. 27 when racing for a $6,250 tag. He cleared the 3l condition that afternoon and makes his local debut for a new trainer Matk Reid. Stalker fits with his best.
5th pick: #1 (Water Tower) (12-1) - He rallied to finish third at this level going 7 furlongs Dec. 27. It was his best overall since last April. Grey gelding moves to the rail and some his best efforts have come at this distance.