Top pick: #3 (COUSIN MICHAEL) (7-5) - The probable favorite, he comes off a career besr when finishing 2nd here at this trip to the talented Bill Moot trained "Pinball". Blinkers went on that day and trainer Charlie Baker replaces the seriously injured Ramon Dominguez with Junior Alvarado.
2nd pick: #5 (Papa Tom) (4-1) - Speed/stalker enters in shape and will be stretching back out after finishing 2nd in a sprint here at this condition on Dec 30th. Colt should be involved every step.
3rd pick: #1 (Bob and Jim) (6-1) - Lightly raced, well bred and improving colt is in a small barn (Jim Iselin) that wins a few here each winter. 4yo has some speed, draws the rail, has blinkers added, and will be stretching out in distance.
4th pick: #9 (U Whippersnapper) (8-1) - He's improvingg and has some speed but draws a difficult outside post in this two-turn contest. Can factor at a square price if he can avoid a wide journey.
5th pick: #10 (Down Broadway) (12-1) - Another who draws a tough starting slot, he' racing 3rd off a 10 1/2 mont layoff and will be trying a longer distance for the first time. May get a minor share at a big price.