Top pick: #8 (CHICKIE CHARMS) - Colt by "Rockport Harbor" has raced well in both turf starts, finishing second here at this level and distance on Oct. 16, then tiring a bit after pressing the pace at Hollywood from a tough post going a mile on Nov. 25. He has a trio of sharp works since, and that experience here at this tricky trip two back makes him the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #9 (Unusual Heatwave) - Improving colt finished a close-up 3rd at Hollywood going 6 furlongs on Dec. 7 in his second start off a 2 1/2 month layoff. Working fast for this and he draws outside of the speed. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (The Roan Ranger) - Trainer Mike Puype adds blinkers today and switches this grey son of "Exchange Rate" to the turf. Colt rallied to finish second here on the dirt on Oct. 22, then raced evenly on the Hollywood "poly" last out. Bred to handle the turf and a major factor this afternoon.