Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (EMPIRE RULER) (8-1) - Longshot is facing winners for the first time. Grey colt was placed first last out at Los Al on Dec. 1 after being bothered by the winner. Stretch runner is nicely spotted here and draws a ground saving post.
2nd pick: #6 (Run Like Rhett) (5-2) - The morning line and probable favorite, he's from the same barn (Blake Heap) as 'Empire Ruler.' He's taking a big drop in class while switching from grass to dirt. His best races have come here on the main track, and 5yo is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Orejas) (5-1) - On the sidelines since Nov. 19, he's dropping down while stretching out in distance. Improving before the break, stalker can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #10 (Roosevelt) (6-1) - NEW gelding runs first following a Dave Bernstein claim and a subsequent two-month layoff. Well bred, he has more early speed than most, and that should not let his outside post hurt his chances.