Top pick: #4 (GNARLY DUDE) (4-1) - He has twice as many wins (4) as any other entered and moves up in class after a come from behind win here at this distance racing for a $22.5K tag on Nov. 9. Win came in his second back off a reclaim my Kristen Mulhall and she's had success with this gelding in the past. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Smoking G) (7-2) - He's one of several lightly-raced types entered that have displayed talent in the past and are returning off of layoffs. Grey gelding by "Smoke Glacken" broke his maiden at Santa Anita on the grass Jan. 28, then was only beaten a length a month later in a $80K stakes. Training fine for this and a major threat if ready.
3rd pick: #6 (No Silent) (5-2) - Very consistent colt (9-1-6-1) loves a good fight and has never lost by more than 1 1/4 lengths. One-run type is (2-1-1-0) on this course and his regular rider (Raf Bejarano) is aboard. Win candidate.