Top pick: #5 (KILL SHOT) (5-2) - Lightly-raced colt hasn't seen action in almost a year but has been training very fast locally for his return. Speed/stalker has been sharp in all four starts and broke his maiden here 11 1/2 months ago in his only previous start on conventional dirt. Can take this if ready.
2nd pick: #3 (Eddie's First) (3-1) - Stakes placed colt missed by a "nose" in a dirt stakes at this distance on Sept. 5 at Los Alamitos. He came back with an even effort here in a grass stakes going "down the hill" against a very strong field on Sept. 26. He should run well in this field.
3rd pick: #1 (Night Badger) (8-1) - Longshot has early speed, draws the rail, and comes off a good effort here at this level on Oct. 4. It was his first race since July 11th and Headley home bred has worked fast since. A threat at a big price.
4th pick: #10 (Unusual Taste) (12-1) - Grey gelding is making his dirt debut after going 8-1-2-0 on the grass. One-run type fits at the level, draws a fine outside post, and trainer Barry Abrams adds blinkers for the first time. Home bred is capable of impacting at a long odds.
5th pick: #9 (Roman Tizzy) (15-1) - No-speed type has a fine record on real dirt 9-2-2-4 and moves up in class for this attempt. He has a fine local slate 8-1-2-3 and is working fast for his first since Sept. 28. Stretch threat.