Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (SHIVERMETIMBERS) (2-1) - One of two entered by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, stalker missed by a length going 8.5 furlongs at this level Oct. 4 at Santa Anita. Colt worked a very fast 5 furlongs Oct. 27 and the very selective Mike Smith is back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #3 (Ike Walker) (5-2) - The second of the Hollendorfer pair, he's won 12 times with the rest of the field having a combined 13. This is his favorite track (8-5-1-1) and he's at his best distance 21-6-4-3. Speed/stalker is an obvious contender with his best.
3rd pick: #7 (Captain Scotty) (7-2) - Lightly-raced 4yo is taking on more experienced rivals while trying a two-turn distance for the first time. He has plenty of early speed, Flavien Prat aboard, and will try and win this in gate-to-wire fashion.
4th pick: #4 (Pepe Tono) (6-1) - Believe he's a minor player as he was 6.5 lengths behind 'Shivermetimbers' last with no visible excuse. It's possible that he can grab a small slice if things break right for him.