Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (AVE CAESAR) (5-2) - Stretch runner drops in class in his second start back off just under a two month freshening. He rallied while wide to finish third here Nov. 17 racing for a $35K claiming price. Gelding has worked fast since and should get a fast and/or contested pace to close into.
2nd pick: #4 (Command Peter) (4-1) - Speedy colt drops to a new low and moves from turf to dirt in his second back from a four month vacation. From a capable barn (Gus Delgado) and think this $100K son of 'City Zip' will be involved from gate-to-wire.
3rd pick: #3 (Motherland) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he's racing first of a Lupe Preciado claim. He chased and held down the place spot going seven furlongs here at this tag Dec. 18. New barn brings him back quickly and he must be left in the three-horse win mix.
4th pick: #6 (Private Safe) (15-1) - No-speed type is not a win threat but may grab a minor award at long odds if the pace is quick and contested.