Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (GATE SPEED) (3-1) - Lightly raced 4yo was a very sharp maiden winner here at this distance Sept. 27 when he scored by 8.5 lengths while earning a big figure. In his follow up at Del Mar at this level Nov. 24, he tired late after dueling through fast fractions. He draws well, is reunited with Joel Roasrio, and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Mayan Warrior) (6-1) - Price play was involved every step when missing by a 1/2 length at this level going 5.5 furlongs at Los Alamitos Dec. 13. Competitive in three straight, he was a 1/2 length in front of 'Gate Speed' Nov. 24 at Del Mar.
3rd pick: #5 (Baby Gronk) (7-2) - Since breaking his maiden here June 9, he's been competitive in four straight at this level and this 5yo finished in front of both 'Gate Speed' and Mayan Warrior' Nov. 24 at Del Mar. Stalker has speed on both sides of him in the gate and will need a careful ride.
4th pick: #3 (Mutineer) (4-1) - He finished fourth at this level going a mile at Del Mar and is cutting back in distance following four straight at that distance. 4yo will need to come from 'off the pace' in this spot but is capable of doing so.