Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (LUCKY PIERRE) (4-1) - Gelding ships back from the Fair Grounds where he was competitive in both starts. Speed/stalker draws a good outside post out of the five furlong chute and looks set for a big effort.
2nd pick: #3 (Squirtsquirt) (7-2) - Speedy and lightly-raced, gelding finished a length in front of 'Lucky Pierre' at the Fair Grounds Dec. 30. Competitive in both starts, he missed by a 'neck' when debuting here at this level and distance Nov. 30. A very obvious win threat.
3rd pick: #7 (Church of England) (5-1) - The probable pace-setter, grey gelding has been freshened up since Dec. 14. He finished third here at this tag and trip Nov. 30, then tired very late to check in a close up fourth Dec. 14. He should be involved every step.
4th pick: #9 (Dereyaichi) (5-2) - His trainer, Chicago regular Joel Berndt is 6-for-11 (46%) since bringing a string here from Hawthorne. Well backed in his debut there Dec. 1, colt was never involved. He's taking a big drop in class and is dangerous at a short price.