Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (DIXIE RUNNER) (7-2) - He showed a lot of potential very early this year, but but is just now returning to form following a pair of layoffs. Speed/stalker cost owner Bob LaPenta $550,000 as a 2-year-old in training back in March of 2015 and I believe trainer Rudy Rodriguez has him headed in the right direction.
2nd pick: #8 (Second City) (5-1) - Hard-hitting veteran has won 10-of-34 starts on the dirt with three of those coming on 'off' tracks. He's in shape, draws a fine outside post, and 7-year-old is five-for-nine at this distance. A strong factor at a square price.
3rd pick: #5 (Matt King Coal) (2-1) - The morning line favorite hasn't raced since finishing a close up fourth here in the $1,000,000 Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) April 9. Training fast, he's an obvious win candidate, but at a short price in a race he may not be at 100% for off the 7.5 month layoff.
4th pick: #6 (Gentrify) (8-1) - Freshened up since Oct 1, speedy veteran has gone 10-4-3-1 this year and is trying this mile distance for the first time. He's won here in the past and has done so going seven furlongs, so this distance should be within his reach.