Top pick: #6 (MESA BRUTE) (3-1) - He's debuting at a tough distance but is training very fast for this outing. In the barn of leading trainer Bob Diodoro (20% first out), this $40K son of "Sky Mesa" is bred to love the grass. Takes this if ready.
2nd pick: #7 (First to Fight) (10-1) - Longshot is one of two entered by trainer Angel Silva. Lightly-raced he hasn't seen action since early August. Well bred, he's working nicely and returns as a gelding. A sharp half-mile breeze Jan. 17 suggests his readiness.
3rd pick: #2 (Our Brother B A) (9-5) - The probable favorite, he's finished second in three straight at this level and distance. Two of those have been on the grass with the other coming on the main track. Stalker is an obvious threat at a short price.
4th pick: #4 (Matinee Idol) (30-1) - Huge longshot is the second of the pair from trainer Angel Silva. He showed nothing last out on the dirt, but in his previous start on the grass ran sneakily well enough so that he may get a minor award at a very big price.