Top pick: #3 (BIG JOHN B) (6-1) - Price play runs second off a Jay Servis claim and a subsequent two month layoff. Very consistent on the grass (15-5-5-3), he has a big experience on several other contenders and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #4 (Red Vine) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he's lightly raced, well-bred, and has been sharp in all his start 5-1-3-1. Strong finisher runs off almost a 3 1/2 month break and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (TwIgazuri Straight) (5-1) - Speedy sort set a solid pace and tired late to finish third here at this level and distance on Dec. 21. Consistent and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Secret Bid) (6-1) - Beautifully-bred Phipps colt still has unlimited potential with only four lifetime starts. He broke his maiden last out at Aqu. in an "off the turf" contest and is working fast at Payson Park for his first facing winners.
5th pick: #13 (United States Won) (12-1) - Stretch-out sprinter is bred for the trip but will need to really step it up for anything more than a minor award.