Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (BAREEQA) (7-2) - This veteran mare has been competitive in six of her last seven starts. She had serious traffic problems when beaten just under a length here in a $125K stakes on 'Claiming Crown' day (Dec. 7) and she's dropping back down a bit in class. 7yo has a ground saving post and I give her a small edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Smooth With a Kick) (3-1) - One of two entered by Chad Brown and the pair race uncoupled. A $650,000 daughter of 'Candy Ride' will be racing on the grass for the first time. She's yet to finish worse than fourth in her seven attempts on the dirt and is bred to like the surface change.
3rd pick: #5 (Zabava) (6-1) - She ships from Aqueduct where she finished second, but was placed first going 8.5 furlongs facing $25K starter-allowance foes Nov. 21. Stretch runner fits with her best and a fast/and or contested pace would help her chances out.
4th pick: #3 (Clairvoyance) (9-2) - The second of the Chad Brown trained fillies, 5yo mare has been on the sidelines since finishing third at this level and distance Aug. 10 at Monmouth Park. Only her second start, she's been in steady training at Payson Park since Nov. 18 and must be left in the mix.