Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (COMMANDERING) (3-1) - Consistent colt moves back to the main track after finishing 3rd of nine, beaten just under two lengths at this level and distance on the Churchill Downs turf course Sept. 22. It was his first following a private trainer change to Brad Cox after the colt was with both Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher. 4yo has good dirt form in the past and has finished 2nd here in both previous local attempts. $340,000 son of 'Bodemeister' gets top billing.
2nd pick: #1 (El Cucuy) (12-1) - Longshot is lightly raced, has the rail, and good early speed. He's stretching out in distance in his first off a Chris Hartman claim (a 22% winning angle), and he's dangerous at a big price.
3rd pick: #5 (Ego Trip) (7-2) - Son of 'Bernardini' sold for $600,000 and is dropping into a claimer ($50,000) for the first time. No speed type is back on the dirt after being competitive in three of four facing tougher on the grass. His lone win came on the main track at Oaklawn in March, and this 3yo must be left in the win mix.
4th pick: #2 (Omen of Change) (15-1) - He moves up in class after finishing 2nd at this condition and distance for a $30K tag Sept. 22 at Churchill Downs. Lightly raced and well bred, he breezed a bullet half-mile Oct. 8, and this son of 'Midnight Lute' still has room for upside.