Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (MURAD KHAN) (2-1) - French import drops for his first since a close-up finish facing tougher Nov. 17 at Del mar. 7yo was racing first off a Peter Miller claim that day and he has him training steadily for his return. I give him a slight edge if ready.
2nd pick: #5 (Winning Element) (7-2) - Speedy sort has been competitive in six straight dating back to late April of 2018. He ran second here on the dirt for a $40K tag Jan. 1 and was claimed that day by Andy Lerner. Back on a quick turnaround, he moves him p a bit and moves him back to the grass. 6yo is 6-2-2-0 on the local turf and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Battle of Memphis) (6-1) - Irish import is racing 3rd pack following almost a 4-month layoff and is stretching back out after a good effort sprinting here Dec. 29. He gives away a lot of experience and is still eligible at the 2l condition. That said, he fits on figures and is set up well by his connections.
4th pick: #11 (Seven Scents) (8-1) - He moves back to the grass after tiring here sprinting against tougher on the dirt Jan. 10. Longshot finished within range in his previous pair on the grass and is capable of factoring if he avoids a wide trip.