Top pick: #8 (BAY STATE JUSTICE) (2-1) - Speedy gelding is one of two entered by trainer Patty Farro, and the pair race uncoupled. He's finished second in two straight here facing a bit tougher, and they came off a Farro claim. In career best shape and the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Arangol) (7-2) - The second of the Farro pair, he's dropping in class and getting some weight off for this attempt. Florida-bred raced evenly here for a $16K tag on Oct. 5 after being sharp in two straight out of town. He's in a career soft spot, and one run type should get a fast and/or contested pace to close into.
3rd pick: #4 (Blue Cherokee) (6-1) - He's dropping 9lbs and moving from turf to dirt for this attempt. Speed/stalker has some talent and has been with a pair of high "energy" in the past (Doug O"Neill & Dave Jacobson). His best work has come on real dirt (7-1-3-0), and he's threat with his "A" game.
4th pick: #2 (Bottleofredorwhite) (8-1) - Lightly raced and speedy, he tired after chasing the pace here facing a bit weaker on Oct. 7. It was his first back off a two month break, and he may hold on for a share from his advantageous inside post in this abbreviated sprint.