Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (SURF SHACK) (3-1) - Nicely bred colt is racing off almost a two month break and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Son of 'Malibu Moon' cost $400,000 and runs today for a $20K tag. He worked very fast here Dec 16 and the combination of trainer Dale Romans and leading rider Luis Saez teamed up for a pair of wins on yesterday's card.
2nd pick: #9 (Freudian Fall) (6-1) - He rallied while wide to finish 4th here at this tag and trip Jan 1. Competitive in two straight, he gets a rider upgrade to Mario Vazquez for this attempt and can factor at a square price.
3rd pick: #1 (Waldi) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he's been on the sidelines since missing by just under a length here facing tougher July 28. Stalker is working steadily, drops to a new low, has the rail, and Jose Ortiz is signed on. An obvious win candidate at a short price.
4th pick: #3 (Smarter) (8-1) - Longshot pressed the pace and held well to lose by just under 2 lengths here at this tag & trip Dec 17. It was his first since dropping down to this $20K tag and a positive effort. He fits and must be left in the mix.