Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (DIAMOND OOPS) (12-1) - Longshot is stretching out in distance after rallying to win the local Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) going 7 furlongs Dec 21. It matched his career-best figure of 105 and he's had a fine series of works since. All 5 career wins have been at Gulfstream and think this gelding has a great chance at a big price.
2nd pick: #10 (Mucho Gusto) (3-1) - With the scratch of 'Omaha Beach" and the earlier defection of 'Spun to Run' I believe this three-time stakes winner will go favored in this spot. From the Baffert barn, colt finished 2nd in the G1 Haskel Invitational and 3rd in the Travers (G1). Speed/stalker was working fast at Santa Anita before shipping here and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Tax) (8-1) - A $50K claim by Dan Gargan back in Oct of 208, he's won around $800K since then including a pair of stakes. One run type is working fast at Palm Meadows, has a ground saving post, and is a late threat.
4th pick: #7 (War Story) (20-1) - Longshot has banked almost $3M and he makes a lot of dances. Old timer won the G3 'Harlan's Holiday' here going 8.5 furlongs Dec 14 and earned a 100 figure. A fast/and or contest pace would help his chances out.
5th pick: #8 (Mr Freeze) (20-1) - Solid performer is lightly raced and has been very sharp in all four starts since coming off a 7 month layoff in early August. Stalker fits, has room for upside, and is capable of factoring at a big price.