Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (PLATINUM NIGHTS) (2-1) - He recovered following a poor start to finish second at this tag and trip Nov. 30 at Del Mar. It was his second straight competitive effort since dropping into claimers and he's worked four times since. Colt draws a fine outside post and will be tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #6 (Moonoverthebayou) (9-2) - This $120,000 purchase raced evenly when debuting facing tougher Dec. 1 at Del Mar. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. drops him into a claimer and it's a big plus that Joel Rosario is aboard.
3rd pick: #5 (Asano) (3-1) - Speedy sort is dropping into a claimer for the first time and is shortening back up in distance. $175K son of 'Tiznow' tired here going a mile Jan. 4 and is back on a one-week turnaround. An obvious threat.
4th pick: #4 (Red Valor) (8-1) - He set a pressured pace before tiring to finish fourth, 4.5 lengths in back of 'Platinum Nights' Nov. 30 at Del Mar. Colt should be involved from the start but needs to do much better for anything more than a minor award.