Top pick: #5 (GOBBLER'S KNOB) - Veteran finally broke his maiden last out in start number 27 with a very impressive win here at this distance on Oct 8. He's always hinted at ability in the past but was never able to find his way to the winner's circle until that effort. Working steadily since and his connections have him conservatively spotted for his first facing winners. Races today off the same 7 week break that lead to his win and he's the horse to beat if he repeats that effort.
2nd pick: #4 (B's Lucky Strike) - Gelding has spent his entire career racing on the grass and trainer Neil Drysdale will drop him way down in price and run him on a synthetic surface for the first time. Has more ability than most entered and is a win threat if he takes to the new surface.
3rd pick: #2 (Atticus Pomponius) - Races off a positive trainer switch to Ron Ellis and new barn immediately removes this gelding's blinkers. Runs today off a 3 month layoff and is working like he's a different horse. Think he'll race well at a square price.