Top pick: #8 (COWTOWN STAR) (8-1) - Price play has shown good early speed in both before tiring. He had the rail in an 11-horse field in his debut, then had the 12 slot in his latest. Good small barn adds blinkers and this older gelding has a solid shot at a big price.
2nd pick: #2 (Zen Zai Sun) (5-2) - Lightly-raced and speedy, he's tired in both starts on the So. California circuit facing tougher. He has a new trainer (Mike Chambers 35% with new arrivals)and he's dropping this gelding way down in class. A very strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Liguriansea) (7-2) - He's finished second and third in his last pair here at this level. Strong finisher is in shape and should get a fast and/or contested pace rally into.
4th pick: #9 (Tactical Strike) (8-1) - He was sent hard at the break last out and tired to finish three lengths behind "Liguriansea." He's best when allowed to settle and make one run and can factor at a square price if that tactic is employed.