Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (COMBAT CONTROLLER) (5-1) - He's racing second off a claim by owner/trainer Dave Jacobson and is stretching back out in distance. Gelding finished fourth at this $14K tag going 6 furlongs here Nov. 11 in his first back from a 9 week break. Capable at a square price.
2nd pick: #1 (Baratti) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he's taking a big drop in class and is switching back from turf to dirt. Both career wins have come on the dirt and along with the drop he runs win blinkers on for the first time. A very strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (In Equality) (3-1) - Stalker has finished second in both starts at this level since returning from a bit more than a 6 month absence Oct. 1. This is his favorite distance, he has a fine post, and he must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #6 (Fielding Gold) (12-1) - Longshot has been sidelined since a very poor effort at this level July 30 at Saratoga. Training well above average, he's finished second in two of three here at this distance in the past.