Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (MENELIK) (2-1) - This $550,000 son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' takes a huge drop in class for this attempt. Colt has shown good early speed in a pair of starts facing much tougher and is dropping into a claimer, is adding blinkers, and trainer Jon Thomas has Javier Castellano aboard.
2nd pick: #1 (Fentynola) (8-1) - Longshot raced evenly when beaten 7 lengths here at this trip for a $32K tag Jan. 2. He has the rail, drops to a new low, and Luis Saez is aboard for the first time. Think this colt will factor at a big price.
3rd pick: #10 (Lunag Ri) (6-1) - Bred/owned/and trained by Tom Foley, gelding tired badly here in an 'off the turf' contest at this level and distance Dec. 12. He had shown some ability in his previous two starts on the grass and it's noted that Irad Ortiz stays loyal.
4th pick: #3 (Mr Impressive) (12-1) - Colt flashed good early speed before tiring to finish 4th of 10, beaten 5.5 lengths going 6 furlongs on the dirt for a $12.5K tag Dec. 6. Owner/trainer Dan Pita moves him back up in price, switches him to the grass, and he has Paco Lopez aboard.