Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (DREFUNG) (5-1) - Son of 'Gio Ponti' sold for $450,000 in September of 2014 as a Keenaland sales yearling. Bet down to favoritism when debuting Oct 24 at Santa Anita, he rushed up following a slow start and held his ground until tiring in the final furlong. He moves off the rail and trainer Bob Baffert (21% second time out) worked him a sharp half-mile Nov 7. Can take this with an alert beginning.
2nd pick: #13 (Basinca) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, colt was involved from start-to-finish when debuting at this level and distance Oct 10 at Santa Anita. He held gamely to hold down the place spot and has worked above average thre times since. An obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Kionntal) (6-1) - One of many first-time-starters, colt has the rail and some impressive works showing. $190K son of 'Bellamy Road' needs to break in stride from his tough post in a large field.
4th pick: #12 (Prince of Arabia) (20-1) - Son of 'Mineshaft' is another making his debut. $175K purchase has a steady work tab, including a bullet three furlong gate breeze Nov 4.
5th pick: #9 (Blue Navy Blue) (20-1) - Nicely bred colt has a fine work tab on view and is in a good first out barn (John Sadler 24%). Gelding by the useful 'Flatter' may be competitive at a big price.