Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (BLAME JOE) (2-1) - 'Joe' moves up a bit while shortening up a 1/2-furlong. This stalker draws a fine outside post for his style and this distance while catching a field where the pace should be fast and/or contested. 4yo looks set for a big effort.
2nd pick: #7 (American Currency) (9-2) - Very lightly raced, he pressed the pace and held to check in a close up 3rd here going 5.5 furlongs for a $12,500 price tag Nov. 7. It was his first race in 11 months, and he was claimed that afternoon by Raf Deleon. Turned around in just 15 days, he moves up slightly while stretching out a furlong.
3rd pick: #1 (Extreme Heat) (3-1) - Speedy sort is dropping to a new low, switches from turf to dirt, and is cutting back in distance. Competitive in all three prior dirt sprints, he has the rail and is dangerous.
4th pick: #6 (Turnaround) (6-1) - He ships down from Golden Gate Fields where he was an easy wire-to-wire winner by 3.5 lengths going 5.5 furlongs on the Tapeta surface there to get his maiden victory Oct. 26. Claimed that day by Art Herbertson for $12,500, new barn wins at an excellent 39% (18 for 46) first off the claim, and this 3yo has shown good speed in the past on conventional dirt.