Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (GIBBY'S GEM) (4-1) - Filly drops in class while switching from turf to dirt in her second attempt. She showed good early speed debuting here in a grass sprint facing tougher Jan. 17. Trainer Jorge Navarro 23% second time out, wins at a 34% clip on the surface switch and I give this $55K purchase a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Tumbadora) (3-1) - A debuting daughter of 'Awesome Again', she was initially prepped off-site before having a pair of on-track breezes. Trainer Gil Zerpa has won with 5 of 11 (45%) first-time-starters since Jan. 1 of 2019 and this filly is dangerous today.
3rd pick: #8 (Irish Thunder) (3-1) - She's cutting back in distance and moves in with state breds after finishing a pace-chasing third going a mile here facing 'open' $25K claimers Jan. 20. An obvious contender with Irad Ortiz jr staying aboard.
4th pick: #7 (Sheknowsthedrill) (8-1) - She tired badly when debuting Oct. 17 just above this level. Working steadily for her return, trainer Kate O'Connell wins at a 19% rate second time out and at a 25% clip off of long layoffs.