Top pick: #3 (JOINT DECISION) (5-2) - He's one of two entered by trainer Ramon Preciado and the pair race uncoupled. He's gone 6-2-2-2 since being claimed for $16,000 in early August. Gelding has a flexible style and he's at his favorite distance 7-2-2-3.
2nd pick: #9 (Crossing) (4-1) - Speed/stalker has been freshened up since Nov. 19 when he was a winner at this distance racing for a $15K at Laurel. Claimed that day by Keith Lebarron, he fits with his best if ready.
3rd pick: #5 (Linda's Last) (7-2) - The second of the Ramon Preciado trained pair, he has sharp early speed and is moving up in class. Last out on Dec. 29, he ran second facing starter-allowance foes going 7-furlongs. Working nicely for today's assignment and he should be involved from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #6 (Mr. Dithers) (6-1) - Very fast from the gate, he's maintained sharp form for the past half year. He's gone 8-2-3-2 since early August with all of those starts being local. Another that's moving up in class, but this field isn't that strong for the level.