Top pick: #10 (LETHAL INTENT) (8-1) - He's had a lot of chances, but seems best on real dirt and enters this off a pair of competitive local efforts at this tag. One-run type will be running third off a two month break and can win this with a late move.
2nd pick: #2 (Red Man Run) (12-1) - Longshot has some early speed and will be breaking just off the rail. Last out he rallied while wide to finish third at this tag and he had an outside post that afternoon. Can factor at a big price.
3rd pick: #8 (Unsinkable Sam) (4-1) - Heavily bet in his debut, "Sam" was off slowly and tired after rushing up to contest the pace. Claimed that day by Melody Conlon for $20K, she's been working with him since Dec. 8 and will add blinkers for this attempt.
4th pick: #4 (Valen) (5-1) - He always ahs a good spot turning for home but seems to lack the necessary kick at "crunch" time. Certainly capable of impacting with a bit more late energy.
5th pick: #5 (Hi Chooch) (7-2) - Speedy colt set a pressure pace and tired last out facing state-bred special weights on Jan. 10. Race was his first since late Feb. of 2012 and he'll race in a claimer and makes back-to-back starts, both for the first time.