Top pick: #3 (BEACH FEVER) (3-1) - Speed/stalker enters off a solid third place finish at this tag on Dec. 6 from a tough outside post. He draws much better, is working fast, and lightly raced gelding has room for upside. He gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Prospector Alley) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he's dropping to a new low and is moving from "poly" to dirt. Working fine and he's making back-to-back starts for the first time since late spring. Has the rail and I almost made him the top selection.
3rd pick: #4 (Thesheetsguy) (7-2) - Stalker stretches out in distance in his first off a Rick Baltas claim. Lightly raced, well bred, and he missed by a "head' two back at this tag. Bejarano's presence indicates the barn likes this ones chances.
4th pick: #5 (Silent Ruler) (4-1) - His lack of early speed is a concern, but he's been working nicely here and is another dropping in class. His biggest plus is that he'll have no problem handling this demanding distance. The faster the pace, the better his chances.