Top pick: #7 (BIPARTISAN) (6-5) - He was a bit "rank" last out when racing evenly here for a $40K tag in what was his first back off almost a two month break. Trainer Dan Hendricks brings him back in two weeks and will drop him to a new low in price. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Monster Hit) (9-2) - Colt by "Smart Strike" rallied to finish fourth here at this tag going 7 furlongs on Jan. 4. It marked a career best and trainer Art Sherman will stretch him out in distance for this attempt. Major factor.
3rd pick: #3 (Swiss Emperor) (4-1) - Speed/stalker is making start No. 28, but he's best on real dirt and is (3-0-2-1) on this surface since last fall. Working well and he should be in this from start to finish.
4th pick: #10 (Spirit of Lindy) (9-2) - He raced evenly first out after being "bumped" at the start and the fine barn of Mike Mitchell will stretch him out in distance for his second outing.
5th pick: #4 (Star of America) (15-1) - Longshot rallied to finish fourth here at this price going 7 furlongs on Jan. 13 and will stretch back out in distance for this attempt. Could grab a minor award at a big price.