Top pick: #6 (CHAIN LIGHTNING) (3-1) - Speedy sort just failed to hold on at Laurel racing at this tag and trip Nov. 29. It was her first on the east coast and first for trainer Scott Lake. She's worked since and gets a slight edge in a competitive finale.
2nd pick: #3 (Loan Guarantee) (4-1) - Well bred filly is racing into shape after returning from a nine month layoff in October. Daughter of "Malibu Moon" tracked, bid, and weakened here facing tougher on Dec. 14. Trainer Phil Aristone drops her down and adds blinkers for this attempt. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Cinnamonjellybean) (6-1) - On the sidelines since early August, daughter of "Candy Ride" is working nicely for her return. Speed/stalker has been competitive in the past facing tougher and is a threat if ready.
4th pick: #10 (Quietly Prim) (5-1) - Debuting home bred is in an excellent mid-sized barn (Ben Perkins Jr.). He wins at a 15% rate first time out and this daughter of "Real Quiet" has been training steadily at Monmouth Park since August.
5th pick: #5 (Moldavite) (12-1) - Filly has shown some early speed facing tougher on the NYRA circuit. Trainer "Ned" Allard drops her to a new low and is adding both Lasix and blinkers.