Top pick: #5 (TUG O WAR) - Gelding has really picked it up since returning from a two month break in late July and switching to the barn of Mike Hushion. 3-year-old has gone (4-1-1-2) since then and ran a career best when beaten a neck at this level and distance at Belmont Oct. 24. He's won on this surface in the past and is the horse to best.
2nd pick: #4 (Iron Lou) - Very consistent (17-5-5-3) gelding finished well back of "Tug" last out but he ran a bit erratically that day. He'd beaten cheaper in his previous start, Dominguez stays aboard, and this 4-year-old is (3-2-0-1) on this surface.
3rd pick: #1a (Mineswept) - He's part of a three-horse entry from trainer Linda Rice and veteran looks the best of the trio. He stretches out a bit after rallying to finish third at this level going 6 furlongs on Nov. 4 and this is his favorite trip (13-4-3-1).