Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (SAWBUCK) (7-2) - Colt is racing third back from a long layoff (almost 12 months) and is dropping from a $40K claiming price to run for $20,000. He finished third when facing tougher in his return Dec. 7 at Los Alamitos, then tired here Jan. 5. In both of those starts he had to race between horses and he can beat these with a less stressful trip.
2nd pick: #7 (Spend It) (3-1) - He 'won' going a mile at this tag Dec. 1 at Los Alamitos but was disqualified and placed second. Gelding has raced evenly in his follow up pair and is shortening up a bit in distance. A major player in this spot.
3rd pick: #8 (Spokane Eagle) (8-1) - Very lightly-raced, he tired at this tag going 5.5 furlongs Dec 16 at Los Alamitos. Only his second lifetime start, it was his first back off a 16 month layoff. He's been working fast since and think this $110K purchase is a threat at a square price.