Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (COMPANY STORE) (9-5) - This colt is one of two entered by Saffie Joseph, Jr., and the pair race uncoupled. Speedy 4yo has finished 2nd in four straight and was beaten by a 'neck' here at this level and distance Dec. 15. Joseph is having a very strong meet (41-10-9-4, 24%), and I give this state bred a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Brother Aaron) (2-1) - Churchill shipper is racing third back following a nine-month layoff and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Colt has a speed/stalking style, Luis Saez aboard, and is dangerous.
3rd pick: #5 (Road to Peace) (6-1) - The second of the Joseph trained pair, he's lightly raced and is doubling up in price in his first off a claim. On the dirt and sprinting for the first time, Joseph has won with 27 of 68 (40%) off the barn switch since Jan. 1 of last year.
4th pick: #1 (Parkland Strong) (9-2) - He enters off a strong effort Dec. 15 when he was just under a length behind 'Company Store' in his first back off a 2.5-month freshening. Competitive in three straight, this 4yo has a ground saving post and is a late threat.