Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (HELEN HAYES) (4-1) - Filly set the pace and held gamely to finish 3rd, beaten just under a length while racing here for this $20K tag going 8.5 furlongs Jan. 7. It was her first on the turf, a career best effort, and she was claimed by Gus Delgado. He brings her back four weeks later at the same level, she draws a nice inside post here, and leading rider Luis Saez is aboard.
2nd pick: #6 (Alert Kitten) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, Ramsay home bred by 'Kitten's Joy' rallied from close range to finish 2nd at this level and distance Jan. 11. It was her first start since Nov. 19, first in a claimer, and Jose Ortiz is back on the re-ride here. An obvious contender.
3rd pick: #12 (Trump That) (12-1) - Speedy filly is dropping in class, stretching out in distance, and is on the turf for the first time. She showed good early speed before tiring going seven furlongs on the dirt for a $50K tag Dec. 26, and I expect her to be involved from the 'get go.'
4th pick: #5 (Beautiful Chaos) (10-1) - She tired in the final 1/4-mile while facing $35K claimers here at this distance Jan. 11. It was her second back from a 2.5-month layoff, she's brought back quickly here, and is dropping to a new low. A 'live' longshot.
5th pick: #1 (Jordy's Ready) (20-1) - She hit the gate and was never involved when debuting here in a five-furlong grass sprint Jan. 14. Daughter of 'More Than Ready' stretches out in distance for this one, has blinkers added, and she breaks from the rail. May grab a minor award at a very big price.