Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (CACTUS SON) (7-2) - Career sprinter finished second here at this tag and trip Nov. 17. It was his first ever at this distance and he had to overcome a serious traffic issue nearing the 1/4 pole. From leading trainer Steve Asmussen, veteran gelding gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Peonari) (3-1) - Consistent sort finished fourth here at this price tag Nov. 3. Stalker was claimed that afternoon by Ray Ashford Jr. and he's given him just under a 5 week freshening. A factor if he holds his form off the barn change.
3rd pick: #6 (Mayhawk) (10-1) - Clearly the main speed, he's been freshened up since finishing a pacesetting third going 7.5 furlongs on the Retama Park turf for twice this tag Oct. 14. Veteran has gone 5-1-1-1 on the dirt at this distance in the past and should be involved from gate-to-wire.
4th pick: #7 (Badtotheboneblake) (9-2) - Old timer has finished first or second in 22-of-49 starts on the dirt. No-speed type was 2.5 lengths in back of 'Peonari' here Oct. 13 and is a stretch threat if the pace is fast/and or contested.
5th pick: #5 (Moon Over Cuzco) (15-1) - Longshot tired here facing tougher Nov. 4. He had a tough outside post that evening and is dropping down to this $5,000 price tag for the first time. Dangerous at a big price with the right pace set up.