Top pick: #12 (GHOST PEPPER) - For those of you that don't follow all the tracks on a daily basis, this owner (Billy Hays) and trainer (Joe Woodard) is one of the most successful in the entire country over the past five years. Woodard won over 200 races in 2011, the majority for Hays. This colt by "Henny Hughes" ships from Florida where he showed good early speed before tiring on Sept. 17 at Calder. Drops, has a pair of bullet local works, and faces a weak field. Much the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Jimmy Scott) - He's raced well in all five local starts and last out finished second racing at this price and distance. Has a close-up style, is in a successful barn, and is the main danger.
3rd pick: #3 (Private Affair) - Grey gelding has the best early speed and his chances "hinge" on whether "Pepper" will try for the top right after the start. If that's not the case, this 4-year-old should hang on for a share.
4th pick: #2 (Ten Gallon) - Longshot comes here from Mountaineer where he's been racing evenly for some time now. Breaks near the rail and could grab a small share at a big price.