Top pick: #14 (SALTY ROBIN) - His best to date came on this surface Oct. 28 when he rallied to just miss running at this price and distance. He had a bust summer/fall, so trainer Bill Spawr has given him a well deserved break (almost three months). Working steadily, he draws a nice outside post, and there's enough speed to give him a nice set-up.
2nd pick: #13 (Indian Knight) - Gelding by "Indian Charlie" continues to get bet and disappoint. We'll forgive his latest when he ran evenly for $30K on New Year's Day when he was eliminated at the break. Drops again for the Baffert barn and Marty Garcia stays put.
3rd pick: #4 (Jim's Decision) - The probable favorite has finished second in two straight, the latest coming here in the same contest as "Knight". He has a flexibly style and should be involved from start to finish. Win candidate, but beatable at a short price.
4th pick: #3 (Smart Hombre) - Lightly raced gelding by "Smart Strike" showed some early speed before tiring last out racing for $40K and will drop in half for his first off a seven week freshening. Can grab a small share at a square price.