Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (CURLIN'S GEM ) (3-1) - He rallied into a quick pace to finish third of nine, beaten just under two lengths racing here at this level and distance Dec 16. It was his second back off an 8 1/2 month layoff and son of 'Curlin' came back to work a bullet half-mile here Dec 28. His post is of no help, but I'll give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Running Cat) (7-2) - Speedy sort has been on the sidelines since Sept 11. Working nicely, barn drop him down to a new low for his return. Four-year-old has beaten tougher in the past and is a very strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Pure Talent) (4-1) - Very consistent, he's 11-1-5-3 overall and home bred is 10-1-5-2 locally. Speed/stalker broke his maiden here at this distance Oct 2. Sent in for a 2 1/2 month break, he finished a pace pressing second at this level and distance Dec 16. He was a 'neck' better than 'Curlin's Gem' that day and is in the three horse win mix.
4th pick: #2 (Jack Fallon) (10-1) - Away slowly in the same Dec 16 race common to both 'Curlin's Gem' and 'Pure Talent', he was only beaten four lengths. It was his first race in exactly one year and he should move forward off of it. May be competitive at a square price.