Top pick: #5 (BLUE COLLAR CAT) (2-1) - Speedy gelding is stretching back out in distance and dropping down into a career soft spot. He tired last out in the mid facing tougher in a sprint a month ago and is nicely spotted in today's opener.
2nd pick: #7 (American Hero) (4-1) - He's been narrowly beaten in two of his last three starts with both of those coming at this tag. Gelding by "Repent" is a strong finisher and should get a solid pace to close into. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Celebrate We Will) (7-2) - Very lightly raced, he's dropping in class and switching from turf to dirt. He finished third last out on the grass racing for a $40K tag and has been freshened up since early Nov. Home bred by "Malibu Moon" had a fine half-mile breeze Dec. 16th and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #9 (Really Big Cat) (5-1) - He's doubling up in price after finishing a pace-chasing third here facing weaker on Dec. 15th. Good effort came off an 8-month break and he should improve off of it.
5th pick: #1 (Starago) (15-1) - Blinkers are added to gelding that has a bit of speed and breaks from the rail. May hold on to a minor award at a big price.