Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (NOBLE INDY) (9-5) - This two-turn allowance drew a pair of promising 3-year-olds from top barns. This colt from trainer Todd Pletcher was rumored to be a runner before making his debut here going 7 furlongs Dec. 3. He was a bit 'keyed up,' but went wire-to-wire to score by almost 9 lengths while completing the distance in a snappy 1:22 flat. He's worked four times since at Palm Beach Downs, stretches out in distance, and Pletcher has John Velazquez replacing Tyler Gaffalione.
2nd pick: #2 (Mississippi) (2-1) - This son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' sold for $700,000 as a 2-year-old in training last March. From the barn of Mark Casse, colt broke his maiden going a mile at Churchill Downs Nov. 19. Only his second start, he has a stalking style, is working above average at Palm Meadows, and he appears to be the main danger.
3rd pick: #3 (Miago) (15-1) - Colt moves way up in class and is stretching out in distance as he seeks his third win in a row. Stalker retains leading rider Luis Saez and may grab a share at a big price.
4th pick: #1 (Stronger) (6-1) - Colt by 'Bodemeister' finished 3rd here in a $75K stakes going a mile Dec. 9. He broke his maiden here going a mile Aug. 27 and draws a ground-saving post. Can factor, but he needs to be at his very best for anything more than a minor award.