Top pick: #3 (HOT STRIDER) (8-5) - He's been competitive in three of his four starts and has the best form of those that have started. Gelding by "Buckstrider" is dropping in class and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Bioxi) (10-1) - Longshot broke poorly and tired badly when debuting against winners here on Nov. 19. He's worked four times since, moves in with fellow maidens and races with blinkers.
3rd pick: #4 (Cooper's Diamond) (10-1) - Another longshot, he's shown a bit of speed in three starts facing winners and is taking a big drop in class for this assignment. Gelding has worked twice since he last raced and must be left in the mix.