Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (AVERY ISLAND) (3-1) - He looked great when winning the one-mile Nashua Stakes (G2) here Nov. 5. Godolphin runner has worked fast since, and this speed/stalker looks like he may have a bright future. Home bred will be very tough if he holds his current form.
2nd pick: #4 (Biblical) (9-2) - He's one of two entered that has won at this nine-furlong trip, and he did so here Nov. 17. $800,000 son of 'Tapit' rallied late that day and is brought back quickly by trainer Todd Pletcher. However, it's noted that this colt was over nine lengths behind 'Avery Island' in his previous start.
3rd pick: #2 (Triple Dog Dare) (6-1) - One of two maidens entered, colt rallied to miss by just under a length going a mile at Belmont Oct. 25. It was a big step forward off his debut, and leading trainer Rudy Rodriguez had him work a bullet half-mile Nov. 28. Think he'll factor at a square price.
4th pick: #7 (Alkhaatam) (7-2) - Another son of 'Tapit,' he rallied from far back to miss by just under a length when debuting at a mile Oct. 25 at Belmont. Shadwell home bred was only a 'head' in back of 'Triple Dog Dare' that afternoon, and it's Chad Brown and Jose Ortiz in his corner.
5th pick: #8 (Vouch) (6-1) - Colt was reported to have talent before his first start which he won by just over eight lengths, going 8.5 furlongs at Laurel Oct. 30. The figure earned was high, and he must be left in the mix despite moving way up in class.