Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (LEAD ALONG) (7-2) - Very lightly-raced 5-year-old missed by less than a length here at this level Dec. 16. It was only her second start back off a 6.5 month layoff and her first facing winners. Mare by 'Smart Strike' has talent and it's nice to see her stringing starts together.
2nd pick: #2 (Ascot Girl) (10-1) - A four time winner, she's moving up in class after defeating $30K claimers on this course going a mile Dec. 15. Grey mare can factor at a big price with a small step forward.
3rd pick: #10 (Inchargeofme) (4-1) - English import has been sharp in all her starts 4-1-2-1 and moves p a bit in class following a second place finish facing weaker at this distance Nov. 27 at Aqueduct. She has a pair of 'Hall of Famers" jockey John Velazquez and trainer 'Shug' McGaughey in her corner.
4th pick: #11 (Lilly's Dream) (5-1) - Daughter of 'War Chant' has improved noticeably since being claimed by trainer Mike Maker last June at Churchill Downs. Strong finisher has won two in a row over weaker, but can factor today if the pace is fast/and or contested.
5th pick: #7 (Danish Princess) (12-1) - She missed by a 'head' here Dec. 15 and the mare that defeated her was 'Ascot Girl.' Consistent 5-year-old has a fine record on the grass 12-2-3-4 and has more positional speed than most.