Top pick: #5 (SECRET COVE) - Golden Gate shipper has good early speed and was competitive there last out finishing 3rd at this level and distance. Filly is stringing starts together and has a nice local work Dec 8 since coming south. Latest race was her best yet and she can win this with a repeat of it.
2nd pick: #6 (Unusual Birdie) - Had no chance in her debut when she broke slowly, and after rushing up she tired badly during the stretch run. Freshened up for the past 2 1/2 months trainer Vlad Cerin will drop her in price and stretch her out in distance. Barn must like her chances as trainer names Pat Valenzuela who wins at a 38% clip when riding for Cerin. Think she'll run much better in this spot.