Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (CATOCA) (5-2) - This mare drops back down and stretches back out after missing by just under a length going seven furlongs at Del Mar facing $50K starter-allowance foes Nov. 22. It was her first following a Jeff Mullins claim for $35K here Oct. 18 when she lost by a 1/2-length at today's mile trip. I like her chances.
2nd pick: #2 (Noble Contessa) (3-1) - Once promising sort ships down from Golden Gate where she was competitive in one of two around two-turns. The 4yo came back from a 9.5-month layoff there Nov. 23 and runs today back on conventional dirt and in a straight claimer for the first time.
3rd pick: #3 (Mongolian Empire) (5-1) - Even paced type finished a distant 2nd in a small field (four) facing tougher at this distance Dec. 7 at Los Alamitos. She's capable of factoring, but would need to step it up some to defeat 'Catoca.'