Top pick: #2 (MARQUISITE ) - Stalker races third back off a very long layoff, and has run evenly in her return pair. Mare has a near bullet work here Dec. 28, and Pat Valenzuela climbs aboard for the first time. Looks all set for her best.
2nd pick: #5 (Elle Dehere) - Working very fast for her debut, she cost $120K and races today for $20K. In a good barn, and her last three drills are quick and have come on this dirt surface. Filly faces a very weak field first time out and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Make Someone Happy) - Lightly-raced daughter of "Officer" finished a rallying third at Hollywood Park Nov. 27, and has been freshened up for the past six weeks. No-speed type should appreciate this 7 furlong distance.
4th pick: #11 (Scent Of Chrism) - Veteran maiden will short up in distance, draws a good post, and her best race ever came on real dirt at Fairplex when she finished second in a small field Sept. 23. Can contend today at a big price.