Top pick: #4 (BACKWATER BLUES) - In the Ness barn, 6-year-old gelding will be stretching-out in distance for the first time and does so off a pair of back-to-back impressive wins in dirt sprints at this meet. Stalker's task was made easier with the late scratch of No. 3 "Just Jebicah" and he should find himself on the lead against these. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Meowser) - Lightly raced, talented, and well-bred colt is working sharply since finishing third whan facing tougher at Churchill Downs on Nov. 10. Son of "Discreet Cat" looks like the main danger.
3rd pick: #1 (Argentine Tango) - He goes turf to dirt for his first race since finishing fourth in a grass stakes at Calder on Aug. 18. Most of his success has come on the dirt and he's a stretch threat.
5th pick: #7 (Radiohead) (12-1) - He has talent, but his career has been beset by injuries and layoffs. English-bred goes turf to dirt and races third back off a 14 month layoff. Can grab a share at a big price.