Top pick: #4 (GO BLACK TIE) (2-1) - Gelding raced evenly here facing tougher going 7-furlongs on Oct. 9. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. brings him back quickly, drops him to a new low, and stretches him out in distance. Three-year-old by "Borrego" meets the weak field and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Stolen Property) (5-2) - Lightly-raced gelding ships down from Fresno where he was an easy gate-to-wire maiden winner on Oct. 9. A career best overall and he's brought back quickly and his early speed is a plus against this crew. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Fonz) (4-1) - He's raced evenly in all three starts since coming off a seven month layoff on July 23rd. Trainer Mike Pender is stretching him out and Bejarano is getting aboard for the first time.
4th pick: #1 (Take a Risk) (8-1) - The type that can "run all day," he's done all his best work here on the dirt (9-1-3-0) and this 9-furlong trip isn't an issue for him. Longshot will be finishing fast.