Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (X Y JET) (7-5) - Very fast from the gate, he enters off a smashing win here in the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) Dec 19. Racing at this distance, he broke running, set fast fraction, and increased his lead at every pole. Grey gelding reported home by almost 10-lengths and he ran the distance in 1:08.40. A repeat of that performance wins this.
2nd pick: #5 (Wildcat Red) (2-1) - Accomplished and versatile, he's banked over $1,000,000. Lightly raced over the past year, he's training fast for his first start since Sep 26. He'll need to come from off the pace today and has a shot if 'X Y Jet' bounces off his last effort.
3rd pick: #6 (Alfredo Romana) (10-1) - He's won 9 of 17 on conventional dirt with 6 of those coming at this distance. 5yo is racing 2nd back off an 8-week freshening. His return start was encouraging, a race where he had a lot of trouble. Can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #1 (El Botas) (8-1) - Stalker enters off a career best when he defeated weaker here at this distance Dec 19. Claimed that day by Joe Sharp (23% off the claim)for $25K, he moves him way up in class for this attempt. Has the rail and longshot is 4 for 6 at this 6-furlong trip.