Top pick: #3 (SIDEPOCKET KID) - He's finished second in two straight at this price tag, the latest coming here on Jan. 2 to "Ultimate Decision", who returned to win again yesterday. Gelding has a nice maintenance breeze six days ago and gets a slight edge in a competitive race. However, make sure you reverse your exactas.
2nd pick: #7 (Clearlyaluckyguy) - Price play stalked and tired at this tag going 7 furlongs on Dec. 7 in his first start since late April. Working very fast for this, trainer Dave Bernstein removes this gelding's blinkers and stretches him out in distance. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Confer) - He raced evenly last out and was 3 1/2 back of "Kid" at the finish. Race was his first in 15 months and he no doubt needed the race. Breaks near the rail and expect him to be involved from start to finish.
4th pick: #6 (Southern Sculptor) - He ran a bit "rank" last out and after "fighting" his rider he finished well back of both "Kid" and "Confer". Barn brings him back quickly and he races third back off a lengthy vacation.