Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (GRAND NELCE) (5-1) - Lightly-raced colt rallied while wide to finish third when sprinting here at this tag Dec 19. It was his first back from a four month layoff and his first in blinkers. Trainer Gus Delgado stretches him out to a mile and J.J. Castellano is back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #7 (Give to U.K. Cats) (3-1) - Colt set a pressured pace and held down the place spot when debuting here at this distance for a $35K tag Dec 27. Claimed that day by veteran Nick Gonzalez, he brings him back quickly while raising him up in class. Barn rarely claims, but is two-for-five (40%) over the past year in follow up starts.
3rd pick: #2 (Little Chuck) (6-1) - NEW gelding race evenly here going two turns facing tougher Dec 12. It was his first back off a seven week freshening and by far a career best. Barn worked him since, drops him back down, and he gets some weight off with apprentice Cancel aboard.
4th pick: #4 (Gone Local) (10-1) - Long shot rallied to finish second when debuting here at this tag going six furlongs Nov 26. Raised up in class Dec 19, he raced both wide and evenly facing special weights. Trainer Kate O'Connell stretches him out in distance and think he's a threat at a big price.