Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (STREET ZOMBIE) (5-2) - Colt just missed when debuting at this level and distance at the short meet at Fresno Oct. 8. In his follow up sprinting on the Del Mar turf Nov. 10, he finished an even fourth. Trainer Mike Pender drops him into a claimer and colt gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Pepe the Legend) (9-2) - One of four making their debuts, $120K purchase has been in steady training since Sept. 11. He worked 6 furlongs in 1:12.80 at San Luis Rey Nov. 14 and is dangerous if ready.
3rd pick: #6 (What's Inside) (3-1) - Competitive in both starts facing weaker speed/stalker finished second when debuting here for a $30K tag Sept. 21. He did the same Oct. 28 at Santa Anita and should be involved from gate-to-wire.
4th pick: #7 (Silver Fury) (4-1) - Grey gelding rallied to finish a non-threatening third at this level Oct. 26 at Santa Anita. It was a career best and he's been working steadily since. The long stretch here is in his favor, but his lack of early speed is not. Late threat if the pace is fast and/or contested.