Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (RIVER OF FIRE) (3-1) - A daughter of turf specialist 'English Channel', she finished 4th of 12, beaten 3.5 lengths racing here at this level and distance Dec. 6. She draws a ground-saving post, has Luis Saez back on the re-ride, and 3yo faces a very weak looking group.
2nd pick: #6 (Molly's Party) (5-2) - The morning line and probable favorite, she's been freshened up for the past 10 weeks and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. A New York bred, she's shown ability in several starts facing tougher and she has more positional speed than most entered. A solid win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Kindhearted Kota) (9-2) - She's finished within a reasonable range in three straight starts and gets a big rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr, a sure sign that the barn likes her chances.
4th pick: #9 (Bay River) (8-1) - This filly is one of two making their debuts. Originally sold for $200,000, this daughter of 'Pioneer of the Nile' runs first out for a $20K tag. She need not be very talented to factor against this field.