Top pick: #2 (MACHO SOX) (4-1) - He's going turf to dirt and racing third back off a 7-week freshening. He's had tough outside posts in his last pair, draws much better today, and gelding is the only one entered who has won here in the past. Gets a slight edge in a difficult contest.
2nd pick: #5 (Luckbox Sam ) (5-2) - Speed/stalker doesn't win very often but almost always is competitive. He ran third here going 7-furlongs just one week ago and should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #6 (Rightwood) (2-1) - He rallied from far back to finish fourth here at this level and distance on Dec. 4. It was his first race in three months and it's a plus to see Bejarano stay aboard.
4th pick: #1 (Goodison Party) (10-1) - Longshot has talent and is working fast for his second back from a long layoff. Has the rail, some fine back figures, and is a threat at a square price.