Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (IMPETUOUS) (6-1) - Longshot has some very impressive works showing for his first start since debuting going 5 furlongs June 23 at Belmont. $130K purchase finished a troubled third that afternoon for trainer Mark Casse who has good stats showing off of long breaks and with 2nd-time starters. This colt breezed a bullet half-mile in :48.20 Dec. 13, the best of 148 to work at that trip Dec. 13.
2nd pick: #2 (More Grayful) (9-5) - The morning line and probable favorite, he had traffic issues when missing by a ;neck' debuting here at 6 furlongs Dec. 5. Bet down to 2-1 that day, trainer Brad Cox, 22% second-time out brings him back quickly and this gelding is an obvious major player.
3rd pick: #6 (Northside) (12-1) - This $320K son of 'Into Mischief' tired after rushing p following a troubled break debuting here Nov. 24 going 6 furlongs in an 'off the turf' contest. Trainer Steve Asmussen, 66 of 306 (22%) second-time out during 2018-19 has worked him twice since and think this colt will be competitive at a big price.
4th pick: #5 (Whichwaytomalibu) (6-1) - Gelding has early speed and checked in a pace-setting third here at this level going 6 furlongs Dec. 5. It was his first since debuting June 23 when he was 1.5 lengths behind 'Impetuous' and that fact he's making back-to-back starts is a plus.
5th pick: #4 (Notorious Flirt) (6-1) - He showed good early speed before weakening late to check in 3rd here in an 'off the turf' contest Nov. 24. Owned and trained by Linda Rice, she's having a strong meet 30-8-7-3 and this son of 'Flatter' must be left in the mix.