Top pick: #3 (BEAR O) (7-2) - Oklahoma bred was an easy wire-to-wire winner at Remington Park on Dec 12. Race was at this claiming price facing fellow state-breds as he cleared the 2l condition. Latest effort saw him set a quick pace and hold on to the place spot while weakening in the last furlong. That effort was here on Jan 19 at this level & distance. Good barn (Ken Marshall) brings him back quickly after working him a 4-furlongs two days ago.
2nd pick: #5 (Aranuba) (5-1) - Lightly raced 7yo chased and tired here in a grass sprint for twice this price Jan 26. It was his first race since July of 2012 and one he probably needed badly. Trainer Cliff Dodson brings him back quickly, drops him in class, and switches him from turf to dirt. Strong contender.
3rd pick: #7 (F P Reign's Lad) (6-1) - The 'class' of the field, he's dropping into a claimer while cutting back in distance. He ran evenly while finishing 4th here going two-turns facing state-bred allowance foes just 11 days ago. It was his first start since Oct 10 and veteran is a strong win candidate from off the pace.
4th pick: #4 (Sardalucky) (8-1) - He's moving up to this 3l condition for the first time. He rallied to win a two-turn contest at this claiming price Jan 26. He broke his maiden here at this distance last Feb and can grab a share at long odds.