Top pick: #7 (MAGIC D'ORO) (5-1) - Lightly raced and well-bred, he raced evenly here at this level in a two-turn turf contest on Dec. 14th. Race was his first in almost 100 days, and he's worked very fast since. A very good small barn, Rob Atras moves him to the dirt and shortens him up in distance. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Instinctively Bold) (4-1) - Hard-hitter returns from almost a two month break, and he'd been competitive (5-0-3-2) in all his starts at this condition. Speed/stalker is working well and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Rupansu) (5-2) - Interesting runner is well-bred, lightly raced, and will be making his first start ever on real dirt. 4yo by "Johannesburg" has fine early speed, and is dangerous if he takes to the new footing off almost a four month vacation.
4th pick: #1 (Ye Call Me Chief) (3-1) - He has early speed, draws the rail, and last out he set a quick and pressured pace before weakening to finish third. Can factor, but this is a pretty tough crew.