Top pick: #8 (SHACKBAMALAMA) (7-2) - Nice debut here on Jan. 1 saw him set/press a quick pace and hold gamely to finish second to a "much the best" winner. The effort was complimented when the third-place finisher returned to get his maiden win next out. Working nicely for this and trainer Mike Pender moves him up in price.
2nd pick: #3 (Inflamed Spirit) (2-1) - Colt is one of a pair entered by trainer Bob Baffert and with no more entries in California racing they'll obviously race uncoupled. He's shown speed in a trio of starts facing special weights and will race in a claimer for the first time. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Wine Stock) (6-1) - The second of the Baffert duo is a debuting son of "Johannesburg" and he has the normal set of fast works which the barn specializes in. A bullet 5-furlong gate breeze on Jan. 30 suggests he's set first out.
4th pick: #4 (Lico) (5-2) - Colt has been freshened up since Nov. 18 when he missed by a nose racing for a $50K tag at Hollywood. Working well for this and the faster the pace, the better his prospects.