Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (HYNDFORD) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. $200,000 son of 'Street Sense' finished a pace-chasing fourth when debuting here going 8.5 furlongs on the turf Dec. 16. Pletcher (33% second time out) drops him into a claimer (23%) and switches him from grass to dirt (26%). Working above average at Palm Beach Downs, he draws a great post and Javier Castellano is back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #2 (Home Base) (5-1) - Another son of 'Street Sense', he raced evenly after being bumped at the break when debuting in a 5 furlong local grass sprint Dec. 23. Trainer Jay Servis drops him down. switches him to the dirt, stretches him out, and has Irad Ortiz Jr replacing Trevor McCarthy.
3rd pick: #8 (Long Blade) (10-1) - Colt showed good early speed before tiring late racing here at this tag and trip Dec. 29. It was a big move forward off his debut and leading rider Luis Saez is back on the re-ride.
4th pick: #7 (Village Express) (6-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, colt was never involved when debuting in the same Dec. 23 grass sprint as 'Home Base'. He drops in class, switches to the main track, and stretches out with blinkers added. Look for an improved effort from this $130,000 colt by 'Blame'.