Top pick: #4 (KING ROCK) (9-5) - Thought he was probably best last out as his rider made a poor decision as they turned into the stretch and this veteran gelding had to settle for the place spot. Stalker is running 3rd off a 6 1/2 month layoff, has back class, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Chasing Gold) (5-2) - He was 3 1/2 back of "King Rock" on Dec. 26 in his first start in 2 1/2 months, then rallied to miss by a neck on Jan 10th. Racing back into shape and Dan Centeno gets aboard for the first time.
3rd pick: #3 (Bahim) (5-1) - Veteran raced both wide and evenly last out at this level, but in his previous start he rallied to finish second. That was his first in almost 100 days and this 7-year-old can factor with his best.
4th pick: #6 (Tiger Distinction) (8-1) - Longshot ships back from Gulfstream where he finished a distant third without threatening going a mile there on Jan. 12. His lack of speed is an issue and believe a minor award is his ceiling.