Top pick: #2 (BELLHOUSE) - Gelding by Forest Danger, just missed here Dec. 18 in his first start after being sent here from New York and having a trainer change to Lupe Preciado. Four-year-old has an excellent work since then, draws the rail, and will tough to beat from either on or just off the lead.
2nd pick: #6 (Treeline) - Dangerous runner finished second in a sharp effort at Churchill Downs Nov. 26, and has three local works since shipping here. Runs off a trainer switch and the new barn adds blinkers this afternoon. Stalker draws a nice post and is the main danger.
3rd pick: #4 (Bootleg Flyer) - He's run well in 4 of 5 starts and this state-bred finished second here going two turns Dec. 6. He's worked well twice at Penn National since then and his trainer Randy Nunley will cut him back in distance for today's attempt. Lightly raced, improving, and he could threaten if he picks its up just a bit.