Top pick: #7 (JAKESAM) - Grey colt won here Dec. 30 going wire-to-wire in a starter-allowance in his first ever on this surface. Effort was the best of his five starts and he's come back with a bullet drill here Jan. 6. In the barn of Jerry Hollendorfer and he's the horse to beat in a very competitive renewal of this California Derby.
2nd pick: #11 (Positive Response) - Colt has won three of his five starts including two impressive wins in a row on this surface. Gelding has won from both on and off the pace in his career and is working sharply for his first race since winning the Gold Rush Stakes here Dec. 11. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Dancing At Dark) - Much improved since he was claimed by trainer John Sadler in late August, this colt by "Black Mambo" has won his last two starts, both at Hollywood, and is training fast there for his first start since late November. Has the rail, good tactical speed, and jockey Russell Baze is aboard for the first time.
4th pick: #4 (Bluegrass Reward) - Consistent closer won a starter-allowance here in early Dec. and has been pointing for this race since. In an excellent barn, this gelding has worked three times since Christmas in preparation for this. The faster the pace the better his chances.