Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (MUCH BETTER) (8-5) - He's dropping in class while shortening up in distance. This $600,000 son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' tired late after setting a quick pace going a mile here in the Sham Stakes (G3) Jan. 5. Speedy 3yo is from the Baffert barn, is working fast, and blinkers go on.
2nd pick: #7 (Principe Carlo) (10-1) - Longshot is one of two multiple winners entered and he's won 3-of-5 when sprinting on the dirt In shape, he moves up in class, but draws well and think he'll be competitive at a square price.
3rd pick: #5 (Asano) (6-1) - A $175,000 son of 'Tiznow', he broke his maiden here at this distance for an $80,000 claiming tag Jan. 11. Clearly a career-best, the stalker is a stretch threat despite facing much tougher in this spot.