Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (KENZOU'S EMPIRE) (7-2) - Gelding has been sharp in both starts since shipping here from the So. California circuit and coming off three month layoff Dec 2. He broke his maiden here Dec. 2, then finished a very wide second at this level Dec. 9. Three-year-old by 'Bodemeister' runs first off a Manny Ortiz claim at three for his last seven (43%) and draws well at this 6.5 furlong distance.
2nd pick: #2 (Mt. Leinster) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, stalker makes his local debut following a pair of good efforts at Los Alamitos Race Course. He has a new trainer (Jose Silva) 10-for-42 (24%) with new arrivals over the past 23.5 months and is an obvious contender.
3rd pick: #1 (Manning) (6-1) - Beautifully bred 3-year-old has been in some good barns but just hasn't lived up to his parentage. However, he finished a troubled third here at this tag going a mile on the grass Dec. 6 and is a late threat as he shortens up and moves back to the dirt.
4th pick: #4 (Cammy's Music) (5-1) - Another making his Turf Paradise debut, he has a bit of speed and is cutting back in distance. Gelding has a new trainer of Jeff Metz (16%) with new arrivals) and he has Scott Stevens aboard.
5th pick: #6 (Chlokee's Legacy) (10-1) - Colt runs third back off just under a seven month layoff and he showed an improved effort last out. State bred is brought back in two weeks for this attempt and may be competitive at a big price.