Top pick: #7 (JUST METEOR) - Excellent debut saw this son of "Forestry" race close-up through-out at this distance and trip and stay on well to finish third of 10, beaten just under two lengths. Trainer Rick Mandella wins at a 23% rate second time out and this 3-year-old is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (My Top Cat) - First-time-starter by "Storm Cat" is working very fast for his debut and has a pair of bullets from the gate that really catch the eye. Small barn (Blake Heap) is enjoying the new year (7-3-1-0) and this colt could be a real runner.
3rd pick: #2 (Ghost Ride) - Another who's making his debut and this $925,000 colt by "Ghostzapper" is also working very fast for his first outing. Trainer Eric Guillot reaches out to Marty Garcia, so they must like his chances.