Top pick: #2 (BOOZER) (4-1) - Very consistent speed/stalker just missed here in a $250K stakes going 9-furlongs on Jan. 24. That ran his local turf record to 8-3-3-1. Five-year-old also loves this down the hill 6.5-furlong distance 6-3-2-1 and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Ambitious Brew) (2-1) - The probable favorite, he hasn't seen action since being beaten three lengths in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) here at this distance on Nov. 1. Lightly-raced 5-year-old loves this trip 5-3-1-0 and has been working fast for his comebacker. An obvious win candidate with his best.
3rd pick: #4 (Bettys Bambino) (5-2) - Gelding is another that loves this 'down the hill' trip 5-4-0-1. He defeated open G3 foes here in the "Daytona" stakes on Dec. 27. Lightly-raced home bred has a flexible style and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Big Bane Theory) (9-2) - Strong finisher has won four of eight starts here on the grass, but all have come going longer. He'll have to come from far back this afternoon, but the pace should be fast and/or contested and that would help him out.