Top pick: #5 (J J'S FIRE SLAM) - Speedy gelding finished a pace-setting/pressing second here going 5 furlongs facing special weights five weeks ago. Race was his first in almost four months and tonight his connections will drop him into a claimer for the first time and stretch him out in distance. Three-year-old by "Fire Slam" has been competitive in three of four local appearances, with the latest being his best yet. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #9 (Radio Lover) - Grey gelding missed by a head here at this price and trip 19 days ago in only his second race since last December. Speed/stalker has finished second in both local outings and that latest was the best overall in 10 lifetime starts. He draws outside of the other speed and at this 6.5 furlong trip, that's an advantage. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #12 (Cooper James) - He needs a pair of scratches in the main body to compete, but is a major threat if he gets in. Gelding has been competitive in three straight at this price, is in a winning barn (Sam Breaux), and this 3-year-old by "Good Reward" has a nice late kick.
4th pick: #8 (Saint Beter) - Bet heavily in his debut here Nov. 4 he was involved in a strong pace fight and held until the last furlong when he tired to finish fourth. Home-bred is brought back quickly and his trainer (Carl Woodley) wins at a 17% rate second time out.