Top pick: #3 (MR EXCLUSIVE) (8-5) - The probable favorite, he hasn't raced since early August at Calder, and trainer Bob Smith has him working fast and will drop him down in price. 4-year-old has shown fine early speed in all four starts when facing better and he has the co-leading rider here (Dan Centeno) aboard.
2nd pick: #2 (Armachan) (4-1) - He's racing back into shape following a seven month layoff and last out rallied to finish second here at this level. Trainer Tony Sano brings him back in eight days for this attempt and has him going an extra furlong.
3rd pick: #7 (Tiz Trouble) (6-1) - Cal.-bred gelding chased and tired to finish fourth here when facing tougher on Jan. 16 in what his best overall in a half-dozen appearances. Drops back in for a tag and his low-percentag trainer removes this runners blinkers. Needs to step it up some.
4th pick: #4 (Chuck La Ra) (9-2) - Debuting colt by "With Distinction" is in a good barn (Kate O'Connell) and he had a useful half-mile gate breeze here on Jan. 3. Can factor if ready.