Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (MUBTAAHIJ) (2-1) - World traveler won the G1 Awesome Again Stakes at this distance Sept. 30 at Santa Anita in his first start since March 25. That victory sent him over the $4.5M mark in earnings and prompted his new trainer (Bob Baffert) to run him here in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 4. Soundly beaten that day, he's in against much softer foes and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Top of the Game) (5-2) - He was a decisive winner going a mile in a minor stakes at Santa Anita Oct. 28. It was his first start since Feb. 10, a career best, and he easily handle a pair of today's rivals. Speed/stalker is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Irish Freedom) (9-2) - The field's only 3-year-old, colt is from the same barn (Bob Baffert) as 'Mubtaahij'. Lightly-raced son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' was a sharp winner here over weaker Aug. 13, then finished an even third to 'Top of the Game' Oct. 28 at Santa Anita. Working fast and colt has a shot at a square price.
4th pick: #4 (Prime Attraction) (6-1) - Colt was scratched out of yesterday's Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) to await this dirt stakes. Well bred colt has improved noticeably of late and he broke his maiden here a year ago in his only previous local appearance.