Top pick: #5 (SHORT ODDS) (4-1) - Speed/stalker has finished second in two of three at this level since coming from New Mexico. Grey gelding earned a nice "figure" last out and can take this with a repeat of it.
2nd pick: #3 (Time For a J) (9-2) - Lightly-raced speed/stalker was a winner here on Dec. 2 at this tag as he cleared the 2l condition. He's going an extra furlong and should be in this from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #4 (Warren's Jeff G.) (3-1) - Strong finisher makes his local debut after doing some good things on the So. Cal circuit. Fits on figures and is a win candidate from off the pace.
4th pick: #9 (Hodge) (7-2) - He's dropping in class, going turf to dirt, and shortening up in distance. Has back class, a win on the dirt, and can't be eliminated.
5th pick: #6 (Erna Jillion) (6-1) - Not a win candidate but he could grab a small slice at a big price with one of his better efforts.