Top pick: #8 (TAPIT TO ME) - Much improved effort last out as she managed to finish second despite hitting the gate at the start and taking several "stutter" steps before getting in stride. Race was her 1st in a claimer and second back off a 4 1/2 month layoff. The country's winningest trainer (Steve Asmussen) drops her farther down and she's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Quetzalli) - Filly showed good early speed at Belmont when debuting on a sloppy track there on Oct. 19. She tired to finish fourth of seven that day and trainer George weaver sends her down I-95 for her second attempt and has leading rider Kendrick Carmouche signed-on.
3rd pick: #3 (Wicked Alliegator) - Penn National invader has shown early speed in both outings and weakened during the stretch run. Can factor in the early part of this, but needs to do better late.