Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (HI HEAT BOY) (9-2) - Speedy sort is taking a big drop in class while shortening up in distance. He tired here going a mile for a $20,000 claiming price Nov. 1 in his second start since arriving from So. California. Gelding has never raced this low and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Three Sevens) (6-1) - Longtime maiden has been freshened up since Sept. 24. State bred is dropping into a claimer for the first time and races without blinkers. Competitive many times in the past facing tougher, he should be involved every step if ready off the seven week break.
3rd pick: #12 (Big Bear Ryan) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he's finished second in six of ten starts and did so here at this tag and trip Oct. 5. Speed/stalker is an obvious win candidate, but is no 'lock' at a short price.
4th pick: #8 (High Class Taste) (5-1) - He's taking the same drop as 'Hi Heat Boy' and has finished within a reasonable range in both local starts facing tougher. Stalker is capable of impacting with a small step forward.
5th pick: #6 (Seventy and Seven) (12-1) - Lightly-raced state bred rallied while wide to finish a distant second here at this tag going 5 furlongs Oct. 25. Capable of getting a share, but with several important drop downs entered I believe a minor award is his ceiling.