Top pick: #1 (SKY FOX) - Speed/stalker draws the rail, and trainer Angel Silva will shorten him up in distance for this attempt. A clean break and a trouble freer trip should be all he needs.
2nd pick: #10 (Shenzhou) (9-2) - Would like him on top, but for this he has tough outside post. Very fast from the gate, well-bred 3yo is a win candidate despite the marooned starting slot.
3rd pick: #2 (Onelastaffair) (10-1) - He defeated a mixed field of thoroughbreds and quarter-horses last out going a half mile on Dec. 2nd. He's the main early challenger for "Shenzhou," and is a win candidate right back.
4th pick: #3 (Global Olympics) (4-1) - Golden Gate shipper won his only previous start on real dirt, and stalker should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into.
5th pick: #5 (Conventional) (8-1) - Nicely bred colt has a good year going (10-2-1-3), and has been freshened up since mid-September. Fits if ready, and he's from a high-percentage barn (Jared Brown).