Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (MAKENA) (7-2) - Expensive ($320,000) daughter of 'Pioneer of the Nile' has been competitive in all three starts to date. Freshened up since Dec 10, filly is working fast, runs with Lasix for the first time, and she should like this seven-furlong distance.
2nd pick: #5 (Calm the Sea) (4-1) - One of two first-time-starters, filly has some impressive works on view. $125K daughter of 'Stormy Atlantic' is in the Hollendorfer barn (25% with debuting stock) and if she runs to her a.m. drills the rest are in trouble.
3rd pick: #2 (Mysterious Miracle) (9-2) - The other filly making her debut, she's also working fast locally and her trainer (Phil D'Amato 17% first out) is having a strong meet. A bullet five-furlong gate drill Jan 23 suggests her readiness.
4th pick: #1 (Cholena) (5-1) - She chased and weakened to finish fourth debuting at Los Alamitos going 5.5-furlongs Dec 10. Only 2 1/2 behind 'Makena' that day and she'll be a big price.