Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (FREE ENTERPRISE) (4-1) - A very lightly raced 5yo gelding by 'Curlin', he's won two in a row on the NYRA circuit earning huge figures in both. Stalker from the barn of Chad Brown moves way up in class while racing beyond 7 furlongs for the first time. Brown has breezed him a half-dozen times on the deep surface at Payson Park since Dec 16 and I like this one's chances.
2nd pick: #10 (Gray Magician) (12-1) - Gray colt ships from Santa Anita where he ran very poorly in the San Antonio Stakes (G2) Dec 28. Very sharp in his previous four starts, he won the Ellis Park Derby Aug 11 then lost by a 'head' at Philly Park Sep 2 to 'Spun to Run' who went on to an easy victory in the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile' (G1). Stretch runner should factor with his 'A' game.
3rd pick: #11 (Epic Dreamer) (6-1) - Longshot was a visually impressive 6.5 length winner of a 6 furlong sprint here facing weaker Dec 8. He's back in form after spending 7 months on the sidelines, is working fast, draws well at this one-turn mile, and has won going longer in the past.
4th pick: #6 (Seven Trumpets) (10-1) - He's one of three entered by Dale Romans and the race as separate betting interests. He's stretching out after winning two of four sprinting since coming off a 7-month layoff in late July. He fits with his best, is 2-1-2-0 at this distance, and earned a career-best figure last out at Churchill Dec 1 going 6 furlongs.
5th pick: #4 (Rare Form) (8-1) - Speed/stalker is another of the runners from the barn of Dale Romans. He missed by a 1/2 length going 8.5 furlongs at Churchill facing weaker Nov 28 and earned a career-best figure. Working fast locally, he's the main speed and will take them as far as he can at a big price.