Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (SUAVEMENTE) (8-5) - Lightly-raced, he returns off a 4 1/2 month layoff as a NEW gelding. Heavily backed in his first pair, he showed excellent early speed in both and finished second and third facing tougher. Working well, he's dropping slightly and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Collect the Debt) (5-2) - Colt chased and tired to finish fourth of seven, beaten five lengths when debuting July 17 at Del Mar. Working steadily here, he had a sharp five-furlong breeze Oct 9. Has the rail, drops a bit, and trainer Kristin Mulhall wins at a 19% clip second-time out.
3rd pick: #3 (Dixie Writer) (8-1) - Long shot enters off a wide and even effort Sept 19 at Los Alamitos. He's since come back with a bullet half-mile breeze Oct at Los Al. Can factor today at a big price.
4th pick: #5 (Star Express) (7-2) - The field's most experienced maiden, he rallied to finish second at this tag Sept 17 at Los Alamitos. His ability to pass other horses is a plus in a contest where many will be weakening in the final furlong.