Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (AMERICAN RULE) (5-1) - Debuting son of 'Bernardini' debuts for Bob Baffert (26% first out) and does so off some impressive local works on view. He zipped a near bullet 5 furlongs from the gate Dec. 21, draws a nice outside post for this 7 furlong trip, and he can win this if ready.
2nd pick: #2 (Praetorian) (10-1) - Longshot raced both wide and evenly when debuting against a strong group Nov 25 at Del Mar. Bet down to 4-1 that afternoon, $850,000 son of 'Tiznow' worked fast here Dec 19 and 'Hall of Fame' member Mike Smith is back on the re-ride.
3rd pick: #12 (Candy Cornell) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, colt almost 'blew up' the board when he finished a pace-setting second at odds of 65-1 when debuting at Del Mar Nov. 11. Home bred by 'Candy Ride' worked fast 10 days ago, draws well, and is a contender at 7-2 or less in this spot.
4th pick: #10 (Longden) (10-1) - Longshot is an uncoupled barn-mate of 'American Rule' as both are trained by Bob Baffert. Godolphin owned and bred, he's shortening up after a pair of starts to begin his career going a mile. He enters off a bullet half-mile work here Dec. 21 and think he can impact at a big price.