Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (EXTRAVAGANT KID) (8-1) - Longshot has been freshened up since the early fall when he won back-to-back minor stakes here at this distance. Speed/stalker has the rail, a quick half-mile breeze Dec. 22, and has a good shot at a square price in this one.
2nd pick: #2 (Sandy'z Slew) (9-2) - New York invader has improved noticeably since being claimed by Jeremiah Englehart for $40,000 Aug. 5 at Saratoga. Veteran gelding is shortening up in distance following an easy win going six furlongs on the Aqueduct grass Nov. 16. Working steadily for his local debut, he has leading rider Luis Saez aboard.
3rd pick: #5 (Hogy) (9-5) - Old timer has banked over $1.1M during his 47-start career, and he's a specialist in grass sprints. 9yo has gone 19-7-6-2 at it and has done so at many different tracks. He makes his local debut off sharp works at Palm Meadows, and Jose Ortiz is aboard. An obvious win candidate, but at a short price.
4th pick: #4 (Successful Native) (8-1) - He's raced himself back into shape after returning from a 12.5-month layoff Sept. 17. He may grab a share, but at this stage the other picks are much more likely to win this.