Top pick: #1 (SPANIARD ) - Lightly-raced colt has plenty of early speed and draws the rail in this allowance-optional claimer. He finished second here at this level Sept. 30, and was probably best that day as he had some serious traffic issues. Working fast, he can take this field from either on or just off the lead.
2nd pick: #5 (Square Deal) - Consistent runner on both turf and dirt he doesn't have much synthetic experience but has a very sharp work here a week ago and consistent gelding is a major player if he transfers his excellent recent form. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Truest Legend) - Lightly-raced son of "Songandaprayer" chased and tired last out in a turf stakes but in his previous race at Del Mar was less than two lengths off of "Spaniard" at the finish. Speed/stalker can contend here with a repeat of that effort.