Top pick: #1 (MERRY MEADOW) (2-1) - She's had an outstanding year 11-3-5-2 and can become a stakes winner this afternoon. Filly has the rail, a stalking style, and enters in career best shape. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Laguna Girl) (9-2) - She comes off a solid third place finish on Nov. 15 where she set a pressured pace while down inside and held strongly to miss by a neck in a three-horse win photo. The move to the outside in this small field is a plus and she's a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #2 (Vicki's Dancer) (8-1) - State-bred rallied to win a $125K stakes going 7-furlongs on Nov. 23 and 4-year-old has a fine record in the past on this inner-surface (6-2-2-1). The faster the pace, the better her chances.
4th pick: #3 (Conkate) (3-1) - Grey mare makes her New York debut after being claimed in early Nov. at Santa Anita. Daughter of "Exchange Rate" has a fine slate on real dirt at 13-5-2-2 and has a trio of works at Belmont that suggests she'll be a late threat today.