Top pick: #1 (UZZIAH) - Gelding just missed by a neck at Hollywood Dec. 17 racing at this level and distance and did so showing good early speed. Comes back just under a month later, draws an inside post and has a pair of maintenance works since he last raced. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Screaming Destiny) - Probable favorite stretches out in distance and moves to the turf for the first time. $410,000 colt by Street Cry has some early speed and races second back off a 10 month layoff. Bejarano takes the re-ride and this newly turned four-year-old is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Kumiva) - Races as an uncoupled stable-mate of "Uzziah" and this $450,000 son of "Giant's Causeway" is working fast for this attempt. When last seen in October he was finishing second at big odds at this level in his first start back off a 14 1/2 month layoff. Can contend today.