Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (CASH IN THE TICKET) (7-5) - He's been competitive in 4 of 5 starts all at this level at a variety of distances. Bred/owned/trained by Clyde Trout, the gelding by 'Flat Out' tired to finish third when following a stumbling start going a mile Nov. 9. Sharp sprinting in 3-of-4 prior to that, he has early speed, meets a weak field, breaks has the rail, and he'll very hard to try and beat in this spot.
2nd pick: #4 (Inclusively) (9-2) - He's exchanged decisions with 'Cash in the Ticket' the two times they've met. He was 2 lengths in front of him when debuting Sept. 14, but was 5.5 in back of him Nov. 9 with no apparent excuse. Well bred gelding can factor with his best.
3rd pick: #6 (Last I Knew) (6-1) - One of two entered by trainer Veronica Griggs and the pair race uncoupled. Home bred moves back in with fellow Oklahoma sired horses and enters off two straight fourth-place finishes. Stalker must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #8 (Dalmavsman) (4-1) - He was 9.5 lengths behind 'Cash in the Ticket' when debuting Oct. 25, then was only about a length in back of him Nov. 9. Speed/stalker draws a nice outside post that will give veteran Alex Birzer some early options.