Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (TRAPALANDA) (3-1) - Freshened up since Nov. 11, he finished a pace-setting third that day facing starter-allowance foes at this $8,000 level going two-turns at Del Mar. Training above average for this attempt, he's done well here in the past 6-2-1-0 and his early speed gives him a tactical advantage.
2nd pick: #1 (Kenzou's Rhythm) (7-2) - Veteran rallied to miss by just under a length at this distance for a $10K tag Dec. 13 at Los Alamitos Race Course. Once classier type has a fine local record 5-2-1-1, a ground-saving post, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Duke's Up) (4-1) - No-speed type has plenty of races in his past that make him a stretch threat if repeatable. The 5yo likes the local dirt 7-4-1-1, is 8-3-2-0 overall at this distance and must be left in the win mix.
4th pick: #4 (Banze No Oeste) (12-1) - Brazilian bred will be turning 8yos Jan. 1 and he's been showing slippage for some time now. He's been beaten by both 'Trapalanda' and 'Kenzou's Rhythm' the last time they've met and I believe a minor award at a big price is his ceiling.