Top pick: #4 (SNOWDAY) (4-1) - French import had an impressive 2yo season back in 2012 in his native country. However, speed/stalker has never lived up to that promise after a pair of long layoffs. He races first off a Jerry Hollendorfer claim (a 35% winning angle), and the barn has won three races here during the first two days of this meet. This gelding has a class edge on these and can take this if ready off a 7-week freshening.
2nd pick: #5 (Giant Ego) (15-1) - Speedy veteran runs first off a Bob Diodoro claim (29%), and he has him working fast while moving back to the grass. He's a threat on the front end at a big price.
3rd pick: #11 (Pepnic) (10-1) - He's racing second off a Bill Spawr claim and a subsequent 8-week freshening. Veteran finished a close up fourth going a mile at this level on Nov. 2nd and is working very fast for his return to action.
4th pick: #7 (U. S. Citizen) (8-1) - Since being claimed in August by Doug O'Neill, this gelding has gone 4-1-2-1. That includes a "nose" loss here at this level and distance Oct. 25th, and a repeat of that effort makes him a contender.
5th pick: #10 (Royal F. T.) (6-1) - Old timer is racing first back off a pair of layoffs and appears to have lost a step or two as he nears his eighth birthday. One run type has done well at this tricky "down the hill" trip (20-4-5-3) and has faced tougher most of his career. Capable of impacting with his best.