Top pick: #1 (TIGER GRR) - Very strong finisher has been facing tougher for the last year in search of his second win. Gelding finished third last out at Penn National facing a bit better than these and that was his first off a trainer switch back to Ned Allard. New barn puts the blinkers back on him and this past summer at Monmouth he was competitive with that equipment. Rail draw should allow him to save ground most of the race before launching his winning rally.
2nd pick: #10 (Awesome Encore) - Races off a big trainer switch this afternoon to Juan Guerrero (a 60% winning angle). He hasn't raced well in his four starts since coming back from a layoff in late July in Saratoga, but the new barn worked him sharply here Jan. 5 and colt races today in a career soft spot. Win candidate with his best.
3rd pick: #5 (Principatus) - Ran one of his best races ever here Dec. 10th when he finished second at this level going a mile. Not sure if he can repeat it, and even if he does the top two choices are much better win candidates. May rally enough to grab a small share.