Top pick: #9 (ASHLEY'S CODE) - Filly enters this off of four strong efforts in a row, including a win here at this distance Jan. 2 against 3L opposition. She has good early speed, draws a fine post for this trip, and on paper she has the best early foot. The top selection.
2nd pick: #1 (News) - Enters this on a form upswing and she'll cut back in distance and have her blinkers removed by trainer Gerald Bennett. 4-year-old home-bred has a bullet work Jan. 16 and the last rider to win on her (Ron Allen) is back aboard for the first time in 6 starts. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Ready To Mambo) - Finished third here Dec. 22 when trainer Mark Passley dropped her down slightly and a repeat of that effort can make her competitive again this afternoon.