Top pick: #2 (TAMARANDO) (7-2) - Strong finisher goes turf to "poly" after finishing second in a grass stakes going "down the hill" at Santa Anita Oct. 18. It was his first in almost six months and this stretch runner is a synthetics specialist. Ready to roll.
2nd pick: #3 (Blue Tone) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he's another that's at his best on "poly" surfaces 6-4-1-0 and he's gone 3-for-4 here at Del Mar. Speed/stalker is in shape and is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Avanzare) (5-1) - In 10 career starts this gelding has never been beaten more than 2 1/2 lengths. Speed/stalker won a G3 stakes at Arlington Park on Aug. 30 in his only previous attempt on a synthetic surface. In a good barn (Tom Proctor) and this 4-year-old should be involved every step.
4th pick: #7 (Blueskiesnrainbows) (5-1) - His form has declined noticeably of late but this veteran still retains his early speed. He won this race a year ago and has won 3-of-8 overall on "poly' surfaces. He's reuniting with Bejarano and that's a plus.