Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (BIG PAUL) (3-1) - Trainer Todd Pletcher drops this $280,000 yearling purchase into the claiming ranks. NEW gelding hasn't shown much in his first pair, but this drop is a 32% winning move by the 'Hall of Famer.' Working well for his first since Oct. 3rd, he draws a fine outside post, and has Javier Castellano aboard.
2nd pick: #9 (Runaway Bull) (7-2) - Freshened up since Nov. 9th, son of 'Macho Uno' raced evenly while between horses that day on the Aqueduct turf course. He's been competitive on the dirt in the past facing tougher and must be left in the mix.
3rd pick: #7 (Uccello Bello) (8-1) - Stretch out sprinter has been competitive in both sprints since dropping down to this $35K claiming price. In shape, and his early speed should have him in this most of the way.
4th pick: #8 (Glorious Summer) (12-1) - Home bred is dropping in class and switching from turf to dirt. He was competitive in his debut, then tired after breaking from a tough outside post in his latest. Think he'll be much more competitive at a big price.