Top pick: #1 (SHERIFFA) (2-1) - Speedy filly is stretching out in distance for the first time. Daughter of "Posse" just missed at this level going 6.5-furlongs two back, then finished a wide and even fourth here on Dec. 15. Filly draws the rail and trainer Linda Rice has good numbers when sending runners longer off of sprints (24%).
2nd pick: #4 (Swift Taylor) (12-1) - Cheaper sort finished last of four when racing here at this level and distance on a muddy surface Dec. 4. She had been sharper 3-2-1-0 at Finger Lakes prior to that and has more early speed than most of the others entered.
3rd pick: #6 (Graceful Taylor) (8-1) - Very lightly-raced daughter of "Curlin" has talent and is racing on the dirt for only the second time in her career. Fits with her best and this field is weak for the level.
4th pick: #8 (G Note) (7-2) - Well bred filly seems better on the grass but her lone win came on the dirt. She's in shape, has a fast recent work and must be left in the mix.