Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (PIONEER SPIRIT) (5-2) - Colt by 'Malibu Moon' ships up from Gulfstream where he finished a pace-setting 2nd going seven furlongs at this level Nov. 25. It was a solid debut, and this $380,000 colt is stretching out in distance from the rail. It's noted that Irad Ortiz, Jr. is signed on.
2nd pick: #2 (Winning Road) (3-1) - NEW gelding has been freshened up since Nov. 12. Speed/stalker is working steadily and had a sharp five-furlong breeze at Belmont Jan. 4.
3rd pick: #4 (Freedom Tower) (7-2) - Stretch out sprinter is making back-to-back starts for the first time. In a hot barn (Linda Rice), colt caught a muddy surface last out, and finished a distant 3rd as a 2-1 favorite. Look for a much better effort today.
4th pick: #3 (Spring On Curlin) (8-1) - Colt made a strong move at the 1/4-pole, but tired late to finish 3rd here at this level and distance Dec. 29. It was a career best and first in blinkers. Must be left in the mix.