Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (ZABABA) (3-1) - Lightly raced colt is racing first off a Chris Englehart claim (17%). He showed good early speed before tiring when debuting Oct. 10th at Belmont Park facing tougher. Dropped to this $40K tag Nov. 15th, he rallied while very wide to check in 4th of nine, beaten by two lengths. Claimed that afternoon, he's brought back at the purchase price, has worked twice since, and runs with blinkers on.
2nd pick: #3 (Big Band Benny) (4-1) - Speedy gelding enters off a career best effort Dec. 5th. Racing at this level and distance, he broke on top, set a solid pace, then tired in the last furlong to finish 3rd of eight, beaten by two lengths. Veteran Leo O'Brien adds Lasix, and this home bred drops some weight with apprentice Davis aboard.
3rd pick: #1 (Big Sky Disco) (6-1) - One of two making their debuts, he ships up from Philly Park where he worked a bullet five-furlongs Dec. 21st. From the barn of the leading trainer there (Ramon Preciado), he's won with six of 20 (30%) first time starters over the past two years.
4th pick: #7 (Willie's Mojo) (7-2) - Home bred son of 'Uncle Mo' showed little when debuting against tougher Nov. 21st. He was 'bumped' heavily at the break and wasn't asked to do much after far behind. Trainer Todd Pletcher (24% second time out) brings him back in five weeks and drops him into a claimer (33%). Look for a competitive effort from him this afternoon.