Top pick: #9 (SAYLER'S CREEK) (3-1) - Consistent veteran drops in class after a good effort here in a $125K stakes Dec. 6. Speed/stalker has worked well since and he's won four of six at this distance on the turf. Castellano is aboard and that suggests the barn likes this gelding's chances.
2nd pick: #6 (Breakeven Analysis) (4-1) - Lightly-raced filly has gone 3-1-1-1 since coming back from an eight month layoff in August. Stalker from the barn of Chad Brown is still improving and has Joel Rosario replacing Castellano who opts for "Sayler's Creek."
3rd pick: #12 (Taghleeb) (5-1) - Very lightly-raced, she's a very strong stretch runner. Home bred daughter of "Hard Spun" just missed here at this level going a mile Dec. 27. The added yardage today is a plus and she must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #8 (Town Extension) (8-1) - Consistent on the grass, she was only a 1/2 length back of "Taghleeb" Dec. 27. Solid effort was her first start since February and she's a threat with any additional improvement.