Top pick: #4 (STARSHIP TORMENTA) - Filly tired last out at Calder to finish fourth as a heavy favorite racing for $16K on a sloppy surface. Effort came first off a Nick Canani claim and he has her working very fast locally for this attempt. Barn drops her under the claimed price and she's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Corinthia) - Excellent effort here on Dec. 9 saw her set a pressured pace and hold gamely to finish second. Blinkers go on, she has the rail, and filly should be involved again from gate to wire.
3rd pick: #12 (Angel of Harlem) - Home-bred exits the same last race as "Corinthia" and she raced evenly after an awkward start. Good 2nd out barn (Dave Fawkes 21%) adds blinkers today.
4th pick: #11 (Kujaa) - Very wide last out after breaking from a tough outside post in a two-turn grass race here 16 days ago. Trainer Dale Romans drops her down, shortens her up, and switches her back to the dirt.