Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (PASSED BY PAUL) (3-1) - He's dropping in class following an even effort here Jan. 1 racing for a $75,000 claiming price. It was his first race in two months and I like the fact that trainer Doug O'Neill brings him back quickly for this attempt.
2nd pick: #10 (Datcatsa Gem) (6-1) - Stalker is another who raced both wide and evenly last out (Dec 3 at Del Mar). Working fast for this attempt, he draws a nice outside post at this seven furlong trip. Price play.
3rd pick: #9 (Slasher) (7-2) - Originally one of two entered by trainer Mark Glatt, he scratched the other and has this gelding by 'Include' going it alone. He finished fourth when debuting Dec. 3 at Del Mar going 5.5 furlongs and should like this longer distance. 'Include' has proven a superior wet track sire during his long career at stud.
4th pick: #7 (Kenzou's Empire) (5-1) - NEW gelding is training steadily over at San Luis Rey Downs for his debut. He's dropping into a claimer for the first time and trainer Rich Baltas has Bejarano aboard for the first time. The trainer/jockey combo won with 36-of-138 (26%) when teamed up during 2016.