Top pick: #4 (STRAPPING GROOM) (2-1) - This $100K stakes has attracted a small field of six, with three of those being trained by Linda Rice. This veteran is in the barn of leading trainer Dave Jacobson and last out finished second to today's rival "Palace." Speed/stalker has a great year going 8-3-2-1 and can take this with his best.
2nd pick: #6 (Palace) (7-5) - One of the trio trained by Linda Rice and they all race uncoupled. Hard-hitting colt by "City Zip" and he also had an excellent year going 7-4-2-0. Stalker draws outside of the speed and is running at his favorite distance (7-4-2-1). Win candidate, and I almost made him the top pick.
3rd pick: #5 (Abra) (8-1) - Very fast from the gate, this Rice runner is the field's most inexperienced entrant, but enters in good form and may last for a slice of this at a big price.