Top pick: #9 (SMOKING G) - Lightly-raced gelding takes a big step up today after an impressive maiden win here at this often "tricky" trip going 6.5 furlongs down the hillside turf course. That makes him one of two with a win here at this distance and this 3-year-old has come back with a big bullet work at Hollywood on Feb. 12. Tough if he repeats his last figure.
2nd pick: #7 (Brigand) - Unraced since early August at Del Mar, this son of "Flatter" is working very fast for his return and trainer Bob Baffert will race him on the grass for the first time. Bred to handle the surface, and a major factor if ready.
3rd pick: #2 (Stoney Fleece) - He's 2-for-3 on the turf and is the only member of this field with a previous stakes win on grass. Freshened-up since late Dec. by trainer John Sadler and a big stretch threat this afternoon.