Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (ESCAPEE) (5-1) - She's lost ground in all four starts, but is cutting back in distance, and races with blinkers on. She chased while wide going a mile at Del mar Nov. 19th, and $225K daughter of 'Street Sense' had a tough outside post in that two-turn contest. Working well, trainer Bob Baffert wins at a 23% rate on the route to sprint angle, and at a 32% rate when adding blinkers.
2nd pick: #11 (Candy Boss) (9-2) - Well bet when debuting at Del Mar Nov. 27th, she chased a quick pace before tiring during the final 1/4 mile. She came back with a near bullet half-mile here Dec. 8th, and $250K 2yo in training purchase is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Angel Lane) (15-1) - She raced very wide in her debut, then had a tough journey while between horses in her latest. Longshot probably has more talent than shown so far and can factor at a big price.
4th pick: #5 (Cuyathy) (20-1) - Filly tired Nov. 27th at Del Mar after pressing a quick pace while racing three-wide. It was her best so far and came off almost a four-month layoff. Her early speed makes her interesting at long odds.
5th pick: #7 (Cobia) (8-1) - One of two debuting fillies, and both are trained by Tom Proctor. Grey daughter of 'Smoke Glacken' is bred for speed and has some sharp works showing on her morning tab.