Top pick: #2 (HAPPY HEDGER) - The probable heavy favorite ships up from Hollywood after finishing second there Dec. 1 facing much tougher than he meets today. Four-year-old by "Songandaprayer" has excellent early speed and takes a big drop this afternoon. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Wentzville) - Improving colt by "Formal Gold" rallied to miss by a "head" here last out at this tag and distance. Race was his best since August and he's in a good barn (Steve Specht). Has the best chance at knocking off the favorite.
3rd pick: #5 (Pure Momentum) - He had some problems last out going two-turns and trainer Roy Lumm will cut him back in distance today. Previous race saw him finish fourth at this tag sprinting and he could hang on for a share today. He's one of two entered by Lumm and they race uncoupled.