Top pick: #2 (PRAY HARD) (4-1) - One of two entered by the Hollendorfer barn, he broke thru with an impressive maiden win here Nov. 30 and did so over a strong field of fellow Cal-breds. He has a flexible style and been extra sharp in both races on this course.
2nd pick: #9 (Aotearoa) (3-1) - He's a stakes winner on the grass and wasn't beaten all that much in the $1M "Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf" (G1). One-run type has won on "poly" in the past, is working well locally, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (California Chrome) (7-2) - Freshened up since Nov. 1, he's improved since lasix was added and won a stakes on a simliar surface at Del Mar on July 31. Working very fast for this and is a win threat.
4th pick: #11 (Life is a Joy) (8-1) - The second of the Hollendorfer pair, he moves back in with Cal-breds after an even effort last out here in the $100k "Real Quiet" facing open company. He draws a nice outside post, is working well, and is a threat.
5th pick: #4 (Mass Transit) (6-1) - He broke his maiden last out here going 6.5 furlongs in a much improved effort off his debut.Well-bred he's been working fast since his Nov. 9 score and is a late threat.