Top pick: #2 (SALISBURY KNIGHT) (4-1) - Expensive colt ($290K) stretches out a bit after a solid third-place finish at this level going 7-furlongs Oct. 31. It was his best overall since his maiden win in early May and speed/stalker draws the ground saving rail. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Adam's Note) (5-1) - Another speed/stalker, he finished second at this level going a mile on the dirt after five straight starts on the grass. Son of "Sky Mesa" fits on figures and style and is a strong contender.
3rd pick: #5 (Spinning for Home) (8-1) - Very lightly raced grey gelding has been working sharply off site for his first start since early July. His lone win came on the Belmont dirt and he earned a solid figure that afternoon. In a crafty barn (Michelle Nevin) and a major threat if ready.
4th pick: #6 (Birchwood Road) (10-1) - He just missed facing "open" $35K 2l claimers going a mile Nov. 21. Solid effort and it came in his first on the dirt after six straight grass attempts. Can impact at a big price.
5th pick: #8 (Awesome Heart) (12-1) - He's stretching out in distance and moving up in class. His lack of early speed and an outside post are a concern, and unless there's a hot and contested pace a small slice with a late rally is his ceiling.