Top pick: #6 (FIRST VERSE) - Gelding was scratched out of a mile race here on Wednesday to await this shorter contest. Two-year-old by "Songandaprayer" has finished second in both appearances and did so on this surface eight days ago at this trip racing for $50K. Drops a bit and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Missilewhileuwork) - He showed good early speed before weakening when debuting facing special weights at Belmont in late Sept. Trainer Dom Galluscio is strong second time out (28%), and on this drop into maiden claimers he wins at a 25% clip. Dangerous foe.
3rd pick: #1 (Adriatic Spirit) - Has some speed, draws the rail, goes turf to dirt, and races in a claimer for the first time. It's apprentice Ortiz off and John Velazquez on this afternoon.