Top pick: #1 (CHARMING STARLET) (3-1) - Stretch runner ships back from Golden Gate Fields. She finished fourth that day on the Tapeta surface and had a poor post and a very wide trip. In her previous start, she ran a career best on the Del Mar turf. Filly rallied to finish second that day in her only previous grass going around two-turns. She has a ground saving post and can run these down late.
2nd pick: #5 (Mad Melinda) (6-1) - She showed good early speed before weakening when debuting in the same Nov. 21st race at Del Mar as "Starlet." She was 6-lengths back of that rival at the finish. Training well for her return, and her speed makes her dangerous.
3rd pick: #6 (Bert's Melody) (8-1) - Longshot tired to finish third when sprinting on the Los Alamitos dirt Dec. 21st. She had to rush up following a troubled break. It was her first race since May and a positive experience. Trainer Sean McCarthy has worked her twice since and will move her to the grass and stretch her out in distance.
4th pick: #8 (Onedewoman) (4-1) - She split "Starlet" & "Melinda" Nov. 21st at Del Mar. Stretch runner has been competitive in both grass races and has worked 6-furlongs at Los Alamitos three times since Dec. 28th. Must be left in the mix.