Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (JAMES LANE) (2-1) - Darley home bred is facing winners for the first time. 3yo by 'Bernardini' was a gate-to-wire maiden winner going a one-turn mile here on the main track Dec 2. Clearly improving, speed/stalker gets a slight edge in a competitive contest.
2nd pick: #5 (Papa Shot) (5-2) - He ships back in from Finger Lakes where he won five in a row during the late summer/early fall. Speed/stalker has really stepped it up after showing little on the NYRA circuit early in his career. A major threat if he brings his 'Lakes' form with him.
3rd pick: #2 (Leavemeatthegate) (8-1) - Consistent colt has a stalking style and is moving from turf to dirt. He missed by a 1/2 length on the local grass at his level and distance Nov 23 and has won on the dirt in the past. A 'live' longshot.
4th pick: #8 (Ro Bear) (6-1) - He chased a gate-to-wire winner her Dec 9 before weakening very late to finish fourth Dec 9. It was his first race in two months and one run type should get a favorable pace set to stalk in this spot.
5th pick: #1 (U Call Me Alex) (15-1) - Another longshot, he's been freshened up since Oct 25. A bit on the cheaper side, stalker has the rail, and enters off a solid year 12-4-1-3. Working well at Belmont and a threat at a big price with his best.