Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (THUNDER BOX) (3-1) - This 4yo has been competitive in four straight here and has run well in six of seven local starts at this distance. He's racing 2nd off a Isal Gonzalez claim and drops back down after missing by a 'neck' for a $10K tag Dec 20. I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (De Bird Is Da Word) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he ships from Remington Park where he's gone 6-0-4-2 since early Sep and is from the barn of the leading trainer here Karl Broberg 65 for 271 (24%) at this long meeting. Stalker is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Slammin Mike) (7-2) - Florida invader makes his first start off a private sale to owner/trainer Joel Berndt. Sped/stalker is lightly race and enters off a sharp half-mile local breeze Dec 28. Tim Thornton is aboard and this 4yo must be left in the mix.