Top pick: #1 (NAJRAN BREEZE) (2-1) - He's been freshened up since late August at Canterbury Downs. High-percentage barn (Mike Chambers) has him working fast locally and this professional sprinter draws the rail. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Laope) (9-5) - The probable favorite, he's one of two entered by trainer Bob Diodoro and the pair race uncoupled. He's won three in a row and easily our-ran quarter horses here in a 870-yard mixed breed contest Oct. 26. Very fast from the gate and an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Dakota Mac) (5-2) - The second of the Duiodoro runners, grey gelding is racing first off a claim (29% for the barn) and off a two month layoff (22%). Working very fast for his local debut and one-run type is a threat turning for home.