Top pick: #8 (ZAHARI) - Logical selection and win contender finished a rallying second here at this price and distance on Dec. 27. He's finished second or third in nine of his 16 starts with almost all coming at this $5000 tag. Nice drill on Jan. 8 gives him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Hombre Verde) - Lightly-raced gelding by "Mizzen Mast" tired while racing between runners last out, but in his previous start he finished a close-up fourth at this level and distance. Win candidate with a repeat of that one.
3rd pick: #11 (Big Sky Michael) - Gelding has improved since coming here and switching to the barn of Jacque Guerra. He's finished second in his last pair, both very solid efforts. Win candidate.
4th pick: #3 (Alt's Call) - Tries two-turns off of a series of three sprint races following an eight-month layoff. He raced evenly last out from a tough inside post and believe he can contend here at nice odds.