Top pick: #11 (BENCH PRESS) (8-5) - So. California invader finished fourth racing for an $8,000 tag at Santa Anita Oct. 23. He's been sold privately since then to owner/trainer Mike Chambers (28% with new arrivals) and takes a big drop in class for his local debut. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Home Run Prize) (8-1) - Lightly-raced 4-year-old has some early speed and tired to check in fourth here after rushing up following a trouble break on Nov. 10. Gelding by "Pure Prize" has been competitive in three straight at this tag and still has room for upside.
3rd pick: #8 (Master Game) (6-1) - Gelding tired here at this level Nov. 18 after having to be sent hard from an inside post. He had finished third in his previous local attempt and the move out in the gate is a plus.
4th pick: #3 (Vengeful Storm) (12-1) - Gelding rallied to finish a close up fifth here at this level Nov. 18. He had some traffic issues that afternoon and he's a factor at a square price.
5th pick: #6 (White Front Teddy) (15-1) - Los Alamitos shipper makes his local debut after a series of even effort there. He's not a win threat but could grab a minor share at a big price.