Top pick: #6 (GELDAUTOMAT) (5-2) - Colt runs third back off almost a 5 1/2 month layoff and will be dropping into a claimer for the first time. Stalker draws outside of the speed and that should lead to a successful trip.
2nd pick: #5 (Cousin Ricky) (2-1) - Speedy gelding drops after setting a fast pace and tiring in the final furlong. Improving, in a winning barn (Jeff Mullins) and a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Mr. Cactus) (9-5) - Colt just missed here with a late rally racing at this tag on Dec. 26. Freshened up since, blinkers go on and Bejarano stays aboard.
4th pick: #4 (California Jade) (8-1) - He just missed facing tougher at Del Mar Sept. 1, but gelding has tired badly in all three subsequent starts. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. removes this 3-year-old's blinkers today and he may grab a share at a big price.