Top pick: #3 (ALFA BIRD) (4-1) - Lightly-raced and improving, he was an easy maiden winner on the Del Mar "poly" going a mile Nov. 27. He's been sharp in all four starts, has run well here in the past, and his ability to stalk in a race full of speed is a big plus.
2nd pick: #6 (Fighter Squadron) (8-1) - Longshot is a three-time winner and is moving up in class after winning a 7-furlong starter-allowance at Los Alamitos Dec. 13. Strong finisher stretches out, is in career best form, and should get a fast and.or contested pace to rally into.
3rd pick: #8 (Got Even) (9-2) - The speed of the speed, he's gone 6-0-3-3 at this level since getting a win here June 15th. A conventional dirt specialist, his local record is excellent 15-3-4-4.
4th pick: #9 (Decisive Edge) (8-1) - He draws a tough outside post, but this lightly raced stalker enters in good form and can factor at a square price if he avoids a wide trip.