Top pick: #9 (VAPOR TRACE) - Son of "Ghostzapper" missed by a head here at this level and distance Dec 22nd in his 2nd back off a half-year's absence and first off a positive trainer switch to Julio Cartagena. Speed/stalker can win this with any improvement in his 3rd off the long vacation.
2nd pick: #4 (Atlantic Paws) - Nice effort last out saw him finish a close-up 4th and he was 2 lengths back of "Vapor" at the finish. Race was his first in 4 1/2 months and he was claimed that afternoon by Jorge Navarro. Trainer is having a strong meet and this seven-time winner is a major force today.
3rd pick: #6 (Whiskeyontherocks) - Stretches-out this afternoon off a pair of sprints here following a 2 month layoff. The last he tried two turns, he finished 3rd at Monmouth in late October racing at this price.