Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (GRANDPA LOUIE) (2-1) - He's racing third back following an 8.5-month layoff, and this speed/stalker draws a fine outside post which will give his new rider, Joel Rosario, some positive options. This 4yo's trainer, Peter Miller, is six for 12 (50%) at the meet, and I like this one's chances.
2nd pick: #1 (Afternoon Heat) (5-2) - Competitive in all five attempts, he defeated 'Grandpa Louie' at Del Mar Nov. 15 in his first race in three months. Not quite as sharp in his followup at Los Alamitos Dec. 8, he's an obvious win candidate today.
3rd pick: #3 (A Man's Man) (4-1) - Away slowly debuting at Los Alamitos Dec. 8, he raced evenly while finishing 1.5 lengths behind 'Afternoon Heat.' He's worked twice since for trainer Brian Koriner, 22% second time out over the past year, and is a threat with an alert beginning.