Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (ENCUMBERED) (7-2) - He was a stakes winner as a 2yo back in 2017 but following a 7-month layoff he hasn't progressed since returning to action last June. Dropped down to this $35K tag here Jan. 5, he ran well at this distance and was only beaten just under a length. Claimed that day by Kristin Mulhall, he tired badly facing tougher in an 'off the turf' contest on a sloppy surface Jan 3. Back on a quick turnaround, he returns to the turf, is down in class, and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #3 (Wilshire Dude) (4-1) - A lightly raced 4yo, he won here at this distance on the dirt for a $25K tag Jan. 21. Trainer Bill Spawr switches him to the turf, moves him up a bit, and this Dizney home bred was competitive the last time he raced on the grass.
3rd pick: #7 (Van Cortland) (5-1) - He rallied to finish a close-up 4th here Jan. 5 and was only a 'head' back of' Encumbered'. It was his second back from a 5-month layoff and he can factor in this spot.
4th pick: #8 (Falcone) (9-2) - A sharp maiden winner here going 9 furlongs for a $50K tag Jan. 5, trainer Keith Desmormeaux has him skip a condition for this attempt. Still eligible at the 2l level, he runs facing horse who all have won twice. Stalker can impact despite that fact.