Top pick: #10 (HONEST PAUL) - He wasn't doing very well late last year so trainer Jorge Navarro sent him in for a 7-week vacation in early January. Barn is having a very strong meet and this 6-year-old gelding just missed at this level in his return race just nine days ago. He stretches-out a bit in distance and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Thru the Desert) - Veteran gives his best each time out (22-5-7-3) and is (3-0-1-2) here this winter at this level and distance. Speed/stalker is (5-1-1-3) overall on this surface and is a win candidte today.
3rd pick: #7 (Blazing Prize) - Gelding was only a neck off of "Desert" two back at this trip, then tired going two-turns last out at the same level. Contends this afternoon on the cut-back in distance.
4th pick: #4 (Duke of Hazard) - He's rounding back into his best form following a 2 1/2 month vacation late last year. He's been competitive in all four starts here this meet facing claimers and should be again today.