Top pick: #5 (GRAND STRAND) (7-2) - Entered for the main-track only, trainer Rudy Rodriguez gets his wish. Lightly-raced gelding broke his maiden here going 7-furlongs for a $65K tag on July 20th. He showed nothing at Saratoga seven weeks later in his first for the new barn, but it came going longer against a tough field. Freshened up since Sept. 1, barn drops him under the purchase price and cuts him back to a sprint. I like his chances.
2nd pick: #9 (Political Farce) (4-1) - Long time maiden looked the winner every step here on a sloppy track when he was an easy winner Oct. 11. It was his first race since May 30th and it's nice to see J.J. Castellano back on the re-ride. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Saltine Warrior) (3-1) - The field's wild card; all of his best races have been on the grass facing tougher. Trainer George Weaver is switching him to the dirt, drops him down in class, and shortens him up a bit. Win candidate if he handles the footing.
4th pick: #1 (In Speightofitall) (9-2) - String finisher likes "off" going at 5-1-1-1 and got his maiden win here at this distance in a switched contest Sept. 21. Has the rail and is a threat if the pace is fast and/or contested.