Top pick: #4 (SECRETSATMIDNIGHT) (5-2) - The main speed of this small field, grey 4yo by "Midnight Lute" fits at the level and distance. Working nicely for this assignment and Baffert trainee is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Nicklaus Way) (2-1) - Very consistent sort has a combined record of 36-6-6-3 racing on dirt and grass. Stalker makes his way west after being claimed at Keeneland on Oct. 12 and is a major threat if he handles the new surface.
3rd pick: #2 (Bird E House) (6-1) - Lightly-raced gelding ran evenly at this level and distance on the Santa Anita dirt Oct. 3. It was his first in four months, first on the west coast, and first for trainer John Sadler. Can factor at a nice price if he handles the synthetic surface.
4th pick: #3 (Crushed It) (12-1) - Colt was over-matched last out in the G2 "Twilight Derby" on the Santa Anita turf Oct. 31. He's two for three on synthetic tracks and could impact at long odds.