Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (OPERATIC) (7-2) - Veteran mare drops in class following a third-place finish here going 7 furlongs facing tougher Jan. 4. Steady performer should get a good pace set up for her late running style and I give her a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Perfect Reins) (2-1) - She won by a 'neck' here going 6.5 furlongs in a first-level allowance Dec. 21. It was her first start since Sept. 1, first local attempt, and first for trainer Jose Camejo. Nicely spotted, she's a strong win candidate and I could have easily made her the top selection.
3rd pick: #7 (This Is My Prayer) (8-1) - Cheaper sort has improved noticeably since her blinkers were removed in late August, She's gone 3-2-1-0 since then and speed/stalker must be left in the mix at a big price.
4th pick: #4 (RubySoux) (9-2) - Older mare ships back from the Fair Grounds where she had traffic issues in a pair of even efforts, one each on dirt and turf. 7yo was eight lengths behind 'Operatic' here Oct. 26, so a minor award appears to be her ceiling.