Top pick: #8 (SUNSHINE LUTE) (5-2) - Claimed on Nov. 27 by Keith Lebarron for $25K, gelding raced both wide and evenly here at that price on Dec. 31 in his first for the new barn. Lebarron brings him back quickly and drops him well below the purchase price. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Big Gman) (6-1) - Claimed on Nov. 4 by Bob Mosco for $15K, colt was an easy maiden winner at the purchase price on Dec. 10 in his first for the new barn. Working fine since, he's a win candidate, but it should be noted he was well back of "Lute" the day he was claimed.
3rd pick: #1 (Mi Viento) (7-2) - Colt won his debut with ease at Penn National on May 18th, but following a six month layoff he hasn't been all that sharp since returning to action. Drops today, has the rail, and can contend this afternoon on the price reduction.
5th pick: #3 (Makesnosense) (12-1) - Speedy gelding went gate-to-wire to break his maiden here eight days ago. Nice effort came off a positive trainer change to Scott Lake and must be left in the mix at a big price.