Top pick: #4 (JAYDEN'S HOPE) - Gelding cuts back in distance and drops back into a claimer following a fine second-place finish going a mile last out facing tougher. Has a nice recent drill and that early October run was his first ever on real dirt. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Eagle Strike) - He ran very poorly last out and was beaten almost 20 lengths by the top pick. Final margin is a bit misleading as after he began to tire he was not pushed. Takes both the same drop and distance cut-back as the top pick.
3rd pick: #6 (Madison River) - He was well-backed in his debut in a small field (5). Chased a good pace, and although no match for the winner, he held the place spot while tiring.