Top pick: #1 (GASDEN PURCHASE) (4-1) - He just missed here at this level going 4.5-furlongs on Jan. 2. He had a tough outside post that day and moves to the rail. He's worked twice since then (an unusual move for a 5-year-old gelding) and both have been on the quick side. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Swiss Alpine) (2-1) - Eighteen-time winner is 7 for 11 sprinting at Turf Paradise. He was an easy gate-to-wire winner at this tag and trip on Jan. 10. The figure earned was big and a he would win this if able to avoid a bounce. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Mr. Sierra) (6-1) - Stretch runner was two lengths back of "Gasden" last out following a slow start. Veteran should get a solid pace to rally into and is a stretch threat with an alert break.
4th pick: #2 (Stormin Along) (7-2) - Speed/stalker fits with his best, but unless he steps it up in this spot, a minor award appears to be his ceiling.