Top pick: #5 (NEIDERMEYER) (5-2) - Colt has run well in his last two turf starts, finishing second at Kentucky Downs in early Sept., and checking in a wide third here Dec. 13. Son of "Sky Classic" gets a slight edge in a competitive maiden contest.
2nd pick: #9 (Abadoy) (3-1) - Gelding comes off a career best when he finished second here on Dec. 13 and was a "neck" better than "Neidermeyer." He has early speed, is clearly improving, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (Feel My Thunder) (8-1) - He exits the same Dec. 13 contest as the top two selections and tired late after setting/pressing the pace. Gelding by "Alphabet Soup" is racing third off a 2 1/2 month break and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Regimental) (8-1) - His lack of speed is a concern, but lightly-raced 4-year-old wiil have blinkers added and Dan Centeno aboard for this attempt. Don't just dismiss.
5th pick: #1 (Proud Applause) (1-1) - Longshot showed nothing here when facing special weights on Dec. 21 and is brought back quickly annd dropped back down by breeder/owner/trainer Lynne Scace. A small slice is possible at a big price.