Top pick: #5 (LE DELUGE) (8-5) - Consistent veteran rallied to miss by a "head" here at this level and distance Oct. 31. It was his first off a two month freshening and this strong stretch runner was once a bit classier. In the barn of leading trainer Dave Jacobson and this 6-year-old gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #7 (Seeker) (3-1) - He's the main speed of this group and this veteran is a perfect 3-for-3 on Aqueduct's main track. Working nicely for his first since Sept. 1 and gelding by "Hard Spun" draws a fine post at this trip and Irad Ortiz Jr. signed on. A strong win threat.
3rd pick: #1 (Ausable River) (6-1) - Colt ran evenly while wide racing on the grass for twice this tag on Nov. 12. It was his first back off a pair of layoffs and his connections bring him back quickly for this attempt. Think he'll be in this from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #3 (Cocktails With Dan) (8-1) - Stretch out sprinter enters in form and comes off a troubled start at Belmont Oct. 26. His "figures" fit with this group and he can factor at a square price if he handles the mile distance.