Top pick: #1 (JEREK DETER) (4-1) - New York shipper broke his maaiden as a heavy favorite in a 6 furlong sprint at Aqueduct on Dec 30th. He has a new trainer today (Rudy Rodriguez 28% with new arrivals) and he draws the rail for a stretch out in distance. Speed/stalker is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Real Real Soon) (7-2) - Claimed for $15K on Dec 22nd, he's raced evenly in three starts facing tougher since then and today his connections drop him under the purchase price for this attempt. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Paul the Octopus) (2-1) - "Paul" had some traffic issues last out facing tougher and was only beaten about 5 lengths. Drops down to a new low and is a win candidate and the probable favorite.
4th pick: #6 (Am Inspired) (5-1) - Freshened up since getting his lamiden win here in wire-to-wire style on Dec 9th. He's in a high percentage barn (Mike Pino) and could factor at a square price.