Top pick: #6 (CROWN RIDGE) - Lightly raced 4yo filly will stretch out in distance this afternoon off a good try on a sloppy track going shorter at this price Jan 21. Race was her first in 80 days and she's come back with a nice work 4 days ago as her barn has her set up nicely for the increase in yardage today. Leading rider Centeno gets aboard and she looks like much the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Smooth Connection) - Home-bred tired last out in the same race as Crown Ridge but she had a tough outside post and didn't seem to care for the sloppy going. Daughter of Smooth Jazz had finished 2nd in her previous pair and looks like the main speed of this contest. Could be very tough on the lead.
3rd pick: #9 (Mark's Choice) - Logical contender has finished close-up in her last pair, both at this price going two turns. 4yo wasn't far off Smooth Connection last time they met and last out she finished a distant 2nd to a easy winner. Draws a tough post and will need to do a bit better.