Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (AMERICAN HALO) (7-2) - She ships from the Fair Grounds where she showed nothing in a $30K claimer that was taken 'off the turf.' She's finished 2nd in two of three on the grass facing tougher, trainer Mark Casse drops her to a new low, and has Javier Castellano aboard.
2nd pick: #1 (Sol Dat Sugar) (8-1) - Longshot has early speed, takes a big drop in price, and breaks from the rail. Filly raced evenly while very wide in a turf sprint for a $50K tag Dec. 14 and is dangerous on the drop and stretch out.
3rd pick: #6 (Cosita Rica) (9-2) - Since dropping to this $20K tag, filly has gone 3-0-1-2. She has more early speed than most and a low percentage barn has Jose Ortiz aboard, a sure sign that they like this one's chances.
4th pick: #7 (Helen Hayes) (5-1) - Bred for the grass (she's by 'Scat Daddy'), Hawthorne shipper drops into a claimer for her first on the turf. Good barn (Larry Rivelli) has leading rider Luis Saez signed on, and this filly must be left in the mix.