Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (PASSED BY PAUL) (4-1) - He's stretching out in distance following a career best effort here Jan. 7. Gelding opened a big lead turning into the stretch last out racing here in the slop for a $40K tag going seven furlongs. Caught in the last 1/16th, he's worked fast twice since and is moving up in class while stretching out around two-turns. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Hard Arch) (7-2) - Another stretching out, colt has finished third in his last pair. The latest came here at this level going six furlongs Jan. 1, a contest that he ran wide in from a tough outside post (11th of 12). Win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Harrovian) (8-1) - $230K son of 'Harlan's Holiday' take the big drop out of special weights into a claimer. He's shown little in all four facing tougher, but he did have some fine early speed last out. Think he can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #4 (True Appeal) (6-1) - He's raced evenly in both sprints at this tag and is another going longer for the first time. Colt has taken some betting action in both starts and may have much more ability than shown so far.
5th pick: #1 (Sharp Samurai) (10-1) - NEW gelding drops in class and breaks from the rail. He had no chance from a tough post when debuting against tougher here Nov. 6. Working well above average and think he can be in this from the 'get go' with a clean break from the rail.