Top pick: #5 (Touchdown Payton) - Once classier runner comes here from Suffolk with improving form after being away a long time. Veteran has a sharp drill here on Dec. 16 and can take this with his best.
2nd pick: #9 (Smoke Trail) - He has a fine effort showing here on Dec. 11 when he finished second at this level going shorter and his barn will stretch him out today. Lightly raced gelding is two-for-two at this trip and he's a win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (John G C) - Canadian shipper has a pair of nice local drills as he prepares for his first start since late Sept. No speed type will need some pace help.