Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (VANDELAY) (7-2) - Gelding tired here racing just above this tag Sept. 20 in his first since July 4. The 4yo by 'Mineshaft' had broken his maiden that afternoon at Ellis Park and was his third straight solid effort. Stalker draws a fine outside post for his style and I like the fact that Tyler Gaffalione is aboard for the first time.
2nd pick: #3 (Neverquitdreaming) (4-1) - He broke his maiden at Indiana Downs Oct. 10 going 6 furlongs, then had to be 'pulled up' following a poor start facing winners there Nov. 2. The speed/stalker is brought back quickly (12 days) by a good barn (Chris Hartman) and should be involved every step with a clean beginning.
3rd pick: #5 (Trenton Bridge) (6-1) - He's finished second in three of his last four starts and ships from Indiana Downs where he missed by just over a length in a large field (12) Oct. 28. The 5yo is a stretch threat in this spot.
4th pick: #9 (Sidney's Warrior) (10-1) - Longshot is racing second back from a two month break and is away from Indians downs for the first time. He raced wide and evenly in his return Nov. 2, is brought back quickly, and drops to a new low. He may outrun his expected big price.
5th pick: #8 (Big Al ) (6-1) - Lightly-raced gelding is on the dirt for the first time. He broke his maiden sprinting on the Arlington turf Sept. 20, then raced evenly for a $15K tag Oct. 24 on the Hawthorne grass. If he can transfer that form to the dirt he's a threat.