Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (THROW DOWN) (6-1) - A lightly raced and well bred colt, he's dropping into a claimer, switching from dirt to turf, and is stretching out in distance. He's back on a quick turnaround (19 days) and will be making back-to-back starts for the first time. Price play.
2nd pick: #2 (Macho Mania) (3-1) - The probable favorite drops to a new low after finishing fourth here for a $50K tag Jan. 2. He has a good post, if from a capable barn (Kathy Ritvo), and the red hot Luis Saez stays aboard. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Candy Crushem) (6-1) - On the sidelines since late August, he has a new trainer (Jorge Abreu), is working steadily, drops into a claimer, and Irad Ortiz Jr is aboard.
4th pick: #12 (Cool Hand Coop) (20-1) - He's been freshened up since tiring here Dec. 5 facing tougher. Speedy sort was up and on a quick pace that afternoon and runs today with blinkers removed. The gelding has a fine series of works on view and is a threat at a big price if able to avoid a wide trip.