Top pick: #3 (SEPARATE FOREST) - Lightly raced and speedy, filly drops after chasing a very fast pace on this surface facing tougher Dec. 31. Race was her first back off a 80 day layoff and trainer Richard Mandella brings her back quickly for this and she looks like the main speed. Very tough to beat in this spot.
2nd pick: #4 (Champagneandlilies) - Five-year-old mare finished a strong second at this level at Hollywood Park Dec. 17 in her first race back off a 7 month layoff. Competitive sort has an excellent work on the new surface here Jan. 1, and looks like the main danger in her second race back off the long rest.