Top pick: #1 (PULLING G'S) (8-5) - The probable favorite, lightly-raced gelding by "Curlin" has been brought along slowly by trainer John Shirreffs. Four-year-old broke his maiden here in impressive fashion on Nov. 1 and takes the next logical step in his first facing winners. Has the rail and he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Joking) (6-1) - Dangerous veteran has more lifetime wins (four) than any other entered. He's won two in a row locally, is now 4-2-1-0 on the main track at aqueduct, and is in career best shape. Stalker is the one to fear.
3rd pick: #2 (Soldier in the Rain) (8-1) - Colt by "War Pass" ships in from Kentucky where he rallied to win a $50K claimer going 7-furlongs at Keeneland on Oct. 8. Working well since arriving and new trainer Bruce Brown adds Lasix and has Castellano aboard.
4th pick: #7 (Waco) (3-1) - Freshened up since the summer, gelding had gone 3-1-1-1 at that time when breeder/owner/trainer Jim Bond switched him from turf to dirt. Speed/stalker fits on figures and is a threat if ready.