Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (NONA MELA) (3-1) - Lightly-raced filly has been freshened up since a wide and even effort in a G2 stakes going 7 furlongs at Keeneland Oct. 21. A G2 winner at Saratoga as a 2-year-old in 2016, she's making her fourth start back after returning from a 10 month layoff Aug. 7. Trainer Todd Pletcher has her nicely spotted and she can win this with her best.
2nd pick: #1 (Curlin's Approval) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, mare ships from Del Mar where she had no chance after stumbling at the start in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) Nov. 4. She's been working fast since and is back at her home base. Four-year-old has won 7 of 10 starts here in the past, is an obvious win candidate, and I could have easily made her the top selection.
3rd pick: #3 (Lewis Bay) (7-2) - Tough call on this one as this as this three time stakes winner runs for the first time since Nov. 26 of 2016. She's gone 10-4-4-1 in the past and and has been training well above average at the Palm Meadows Center for trainer Chad Brow (24% off of long layoffs).
4th pick: #2 (Lirica) (15-1) - Longshot enters off a win in a 7 furlongs stakes Nov. 11 that was restricted to Florida breds. Busy 3yo has an outstanding local record 15-5-4-2 and stretch runner is capable of getting a share at a very big price.