Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (JUSTCALLMENORMAN) (4-1) - Colt has finished second here at this tag going a mile and was beaten a 'nose' and a 'neck' in that pair. 4yo has a ground-saving post, trainer Terri Pompay is having a fine meet 31-6-6-6, and I give this runner a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Machiavelli) (7-2) - A very lightly raced 4yo, he finished third here Jan. 12 and was only a length behind 'Justcallmenorman'. It was his first race since late April, a solid performance, and he draws a ground saving post. A contender.
3rd pick: #5 (Volubile) (9-2) - This 4yo gelding by 'More Than Ready' rallied to finish 3rd here going a mile for a $30K tag Jan. 12 in his first back following a two-month break. He's worked since and trainer Bob Hess Jr. has leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr replacing Edgar Prado.
4th pick: #7 (Montatham) (3-1) - Shadwell homebred has been idle since Oct. 16 when he broke his maiden at this tag and trip at Belmont Park. Working steadily at the Palm Meadows Center 4yo by 'Candy Ride' must be left in the mix.