Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (COLD HARD CASH) (2-1) - A home bred son of 'Maclean's Music,' he missed by a 'head' here at this level and distance Nov. 7. It was his first since finishing 3rd when debuting at Saratoga going seven furlongs in an 'off the turf' contest July 26, and he runs today with blinkers on, a 35% wining angle from the red hot barn of Linda Rice.
2nd pick: #7 (Zipalong) (8-1) - This colt raced evenly when checking in 5th of 10, beaten 8.5 lengths debuting here in a grass sprint Nov. 2. He's worked a half-dozen times since then for Michelle Nevin, 16% second time out, and I think this $100K purchase can be competitive on the switch to dirt and increase in distance.
3rd pick: #4 (Empire Express) (9-2) - He debuted here going 8.5 furlongs on the grass Nov. 2 and made up ground while wide to finish 4th of 10, missing by 6.5 lengths. He's worked six times since for Brad Cox, 22% second time out, and he wins at a solid 24% clip on the turf to dirt angle.
4th pick: #9 (Forever Wicked) (6-1) - The field's most experienced runner, he's finished 2nd in two of three at this level and distance. The colt has a one run style, draws a fine post, and is capable of factoring against this lightly raced group.