Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (SORTA MINE) (7-2) - Lightly-raced filly runs first off an Ed Kereluk claim as he is 3 for his last 12 (25%). Calif bred has been competitive in three of her first four and is racing off almost a two month freshening. She gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Powerofemotion) (2-1) - Speedy filly set a pressured pace and held to finish second here going 5.5-furlongs for a $10K tag Jan 3. A career best, it came in her second back from a five month layoff. Winning barn (Wade Rarick) drops her down and wheels her back in 11 days. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Balalaika) (5-2) - Well backed in her first pair, Calif bred has improved her position during the stretch run in both. She hasn't shown any early speed to date, but she's from a barn (Mike Chambers) who is 15 for 37 (41%) at this meet. Win candidate as she drops down to a new low.
4th pick: #4 (Something Heavenly) (10-1) - She's racing third back off a 3 1/2 month layoff. Three-year-old ran evenly facing tougher on the local grass Nov 23, then was never involved after bobbling at the break in her latest. Trainer Manny Ortiz drops her back down and shortens her up in distance.