Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (WORD) (3-1) - Lightly-raced and well bred, son of 'Pulpit' ships from the mid-Atlantic region where he's finished second in all three starts. Speed/stalker has been freshened up since late September when he missed by a length going a two-turn mile. Trainer Kelly Breen worked him three times at Palm Meadows during December and 4-year-old home bred gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Catanova) (7-2) - On the sidelines since Nov 19, gelding checked in fourth of 10, beaten four lengths that afternoon sprinting at Churchill Downs. He's gone 7-0-1-2 racing on conventional dirt and stalker should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #8 (Onlytheshadowknows) (8-1) - Debuting gelding by 'Ghostzapper' has a steady and well above average work tab showing. Originally prepared at Saratoga by trainer Jim Bond, $170K yearling purchase has been drilling at Palm Meadows for the past 1 1/2 months. Four-year-old looks set for his belated first appearance.
4th pick: #2 (Choir Director) (5-1) - NEW gelding has been freshened up for almost two months. He has early speed and some impressive works at Palm Meadows. Another sired by 'Pulpit,' this 4-year-old can factor at a square price.