Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (IMPRESSION) (9-5) - The probable favorite, he's finished second in four straight on the grass and has done so twice here at this often tricky 6.5 furlong 'down the hill' distance. Speedy gelding has Mike Smith staying aboard and this 5-year-old by 'Smart Strike' will be hard to beat in today's opener.
2nd pick: #3 (Kopitar) (3-1) - Lightly-raced grey gelding tired late here at this distance racing for a $50K tag Feb 8. It was his first start since June 17 and runs this afternoon fresh off a John Sadler claim. Competitive in all four here at this distance, he enters of a trio of well above average works. Dangerous in this spot.
3rd pick: #6 (Cats Blame) (6-1) - He finished a pace chasing second here when going 6 furlongs on the dirt for a $40,000 price tag Jan. 5. Claimed that afternoon by Mike Puype, he moves him up in class, switches him back to the turf, and he had him gelded on Jan. 17. Stretch threat.
4th pick: #7 (Papa Gulf) (10-1) - From the same barn (John Sadler) as 'Kopitar', well bred 5-year-old has raced in almost 26 months. Training above average at Los Alamitos, he could grab a minor award if ready.