Top pick: #1a (MY TEE TIME) (4-1) - Veteran mare is part of an entry with #1 "Evandear" and at press time both were still running. Florida-bred was a sharp winner for a $17.5K tag on Nov. 23 and was claimed that day by Dave Jacobson. New man just won another NYRA year long training title and wins at a 30% rate first off a claim. This 6-year-old is a conventional dirt specialist 22-6-6-5 , has a flexible style, and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Colonel Juanita) (3-1) - Speed/stalker was a winner at this tag and trip Nov. 26 as she cleared the 3l condition. Consistent filly was racing second off a two month break and was claimed that day by Rudy Rodriguez. New barn wins at a 31% clip off the claim and this 4-year-old earned a career best figure last out. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (My Place) (6-1) - Mare has some back class and is racing first off a Michelle Nevin claim (28%). Stalker has some early speed and 5-year-old had a near bullet half-mile breeze at Belmont Dec. 18. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #7 (Da Wildcat Girl) (8-1) - Another going first off a claim and she's now changed barns after all three of her latest efforts. Fits with her best and she'll need it against this solid group.