Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (MOON PISTOL) (12-1) - Longshot lost all chance when he was bumped at the break when debuting here on the grass facing 'open' company Jan. 6. Home bred by 'Malibu Moon' is brought back quickly, switches to the dirt, shortens up in distance, and gets a positive rider change to Julien Leparoux. Gelding came back with a bullet half-mile breeze at Palm Meadows Jan 15 and is in today facing fellow state breds. Has a good shot at a very big price.
2nd pick: #8 (Lennox) (7-2) - Debuting colt has some quick local works on view including a near bullet half-mile from the gate Jan. 14. Son of the underrated 'Flatter' looks set to be competitive first out and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (Noble Drama) (9-2) - Another making his debut, home bred by 'Gone Astray' is working very fast here for his first public appearance. Colt breezed a bullet 5 furlongs from the gate Dec. 31 and trainer Dave Fawkes (18% first out) has Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard
4th pick: #9 (C'Era Una Volta) (9-2) - He tired after rushing up following a bumping incident at the break racing here at this level going 7 furlongs Dec. 29. Colt had finished 2nd in his first pair and runs today with blinkers off and Jose Ortiz on.