Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (GO BIG BLUE NATION) (7-2) - He moves back to the grass after finishing 4th of nine, beaten five lengths at this trip on the Los Al dirt facing tougher Dec. 15. He had a rough trip in his prior start here on the turf Oct. 26 and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Going to Vegas) (4-1) - She finished a close up 3rd here at this level and distance on the grass Nov. 23, but tired badly in her follow up on the Los Al dirt Dec. 15. She has some early speed and is a threat in this spot.
3rd pick: #1 (Lucia's Design) (6-1) - A $125K daughter of 'Strong Mandate,' she rallied to finish 2nd at Del Mar Nov. 23, and was a 'neck' better than 'Going to Vegas' that afternoon. Improving sort has a ground saving post and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Dipping In) (5-2) - She had a rough trip in the same Nov. 23 race at Del Mar as several of today's rivals. It was a good effort and this no speed type would be helped by a fast and/or contested pace.