Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (BIG GILLETTE) (7-2) - Colt has the best early speed and enters off a narrow defeat here at this level and distance Dec. 13th. He set a pressured pace after 'bobbling' at the break and held gamely to miss by a 'neck' in a three-horse win photo. Blinkers go on, and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Safe Passage) (5-1) - One of two entered by trainer Bill Mott, and the pair race uncoupled. $375K purchase stretches out in distance after an even effort going seven furlongs in the Churchill slop Nov. 28th. Working very fast, and blinkers are added (a 35% move by Mott).
3rd pick: #4 (Patrick's Day) (10-1) - From the Pletcher barn, colt ran very poorly last out going a mile. However, he was beaten only a 'neck' in his previous start by a very highly thought of runner.
4th pick: #8 (The Big Mo) (6-1) - Colt chased and tired badly when debuting here going six furlongs Nov. 21st. Bet down to favoritism that afternoon, he's working fast at Fair Hill since then, and it's noted that leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. is aboard for this attempt.
5th pick: #7 (War Daddy) (12-1) - First time starter picks a tough spot and distance to make his debut. In the barn of Chad Brown, his works are steady and above average. May grab a share at a square price.