Top pick: #1 (TOC THIS WAY) (2-1) - Speedy and well-bred, 4yo ran a career best when he set a pressured pace and held to finish a close up 3rd here at this level on Jan 4th. He's raced himself into shape after coming off a 6 month layoff in early Nov and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Disaster Peak) (7-2) - Lightly raced gelding takes a sizeable drop today after a slow start on Dec 28 facing tougher. In a winning barn (Eric Kruljac) and it's nice to see Scott Stevens stay aboard.
3rd pick: #5 (Latin Coffee) (3-1) - Gelding has been narrowly beaten in his last pair, the latest a "neck" loss on Dec 18. That was a career best overall and Cal-bred must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Striking Offer) (8-1) - Gelding had been showing some signs of coming around, but ran very poorly in his latest. His lack of speed is a big concern, but he could grab a small slice at a big price if the pace is fast/and or contested.