Top pick: #7 (THE MAN) (3-1) - He finished a close up third when debuting here going 5.5-furlongs on Jan. 3rd. He was forced to race between horses during the stretch run, an uncomfortable position for any horse, let alone a first time starter. He's worked fast twice since for trainer Bob Baffert (24% second time out). Stretches out, draws well, and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (New Summit) (5-2) - The 'morning line' favorite, he was a rallied in the clear to finish a length better "The Man" here Jan. 3rd. Son of "Sky Mesa" has run well in both starts, continues to train fast, and is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Ideal) (8-1) - One of two entered by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, this colt has raced evenly in his first two outings. $250K son of 'Super Saver' has worked three times since checking in a distant third here at this distance Dec. 26th. Needs to do better in this spot. Not impossible.
4th pick: #5 (Honor Society) (15-1) - He was off slowly and ran evenly when debuting in the same Jan. 3rd contest as both "The Man & New Summit." He cost $400K last March as a 2yo in training, and son of 'Bernardini' may be competitive at a big price with an alert beginning.