Top pick: #7 (FATHER JOHN) - Veteran isn't the same horse he was at one time and he hasn't won since 2009. That said, he ships in from Hoosier where he tired last out facing much tougher and trainer Barb McBride drops him to the bottom for the first time. Has enough class and talent left to defeat these.
2nd pick: #8 (Way to Oz) - Presque Isle shipper has a fine local record (16-4-4-4) and runs here for the first time since last Dec. In a good barn (Lou Roberto Jr.) and this stalker is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Guska's Gold) - He finished second here at this level and distance Oct. 16 is his second back off a two month break and first off a trainer switch to Virginia Demczyk. Capable and this 7-year-old has some early speed.