Top pick: #3 (ABRA) (4-5) - The probable heavy favorite, lightly raced 6yo has by far the best early speed of this small field, and enters this off a second place finish here at this level and distance on Jan. 5th. In shape, and gelding gets in "light" with trainer Linda Rice's niece Taylor aboard.
2nd pick: #4 (Sokitumi Samurai) (7-2) - He enters off a sharp effort facing weaker when he missed by a "neck" facing a pretty tough field of $35K claimers on this surface on Jan. 12th. 5yo has enough early speed to stay close early, and has a chance to rundown "Abra" in the final furlong.
3rd pick: #2 (Bear's Spirit) (4-1) - Florida invader has spent his entire career in the sunshine state, and has a fine record racing on the dirt (13-3-5-3). Speed/stalker runs for a new barn off almost an eight week break, and is serious threat with his best.