Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (SLEEPWALKER) (4-1) - I liked him last out, and he was a good looking winner at this level and distance, paying $12.80. He cleared the 2l condition that afternoon, and trainer Bob Diodoro almost always keeps them sharp once in shape.
2nd pick: #2 (Forest Blue) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, he's smartly dropped a bit after winning at Los Alamitos for a $22,500 claiming price Dec. 17. Very consistent, he likes it here (6-1-4-1), and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (El Koreano) (7-2) - Lightly raced and fast from the gate, he drops in class following a narrow pace-setting loss, facing tougher Dec. 17 at Los Alamitos. It was his first back from a seven-week freshening, and it earned him a career best figure. A threat on the front end.
4th pick: #4 (Bolitar) (3-1) - He finished an even 4th here a week ago facing tougher in a contest won by an uncoupled barn-mate. He's brought back quickly, drops to a new low, and Bejarano is aboard for the first time.