Top pick: #4 (TAMARACK SMARTY) (7-2) - Long-winded veteran has back class to call upon and rallied from far back to finish second here goin 1 1/8th miles for a $5000 tag on Dec. 22. That was his first ever on this surface and he was claimed that afternoon by Greg Tracy, probably with this $7300 "Starter" stakes in mind. The extra furlong he travels today is in his favor, and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Thunderclap Newman) (3-1) - He was also claimed last out for $5000 and this strong finisher was a winner here that afternoon going 9-furlongs. Veteran gelding by "Thunder Gulch" had a terrific 2013 (14-7-1-2) and he won at this 1 1/4 mile distance on Aug. 9 at Assiniboia Downs. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Hava Cigar) (5-1) - Gelding likes this course (8-3-3-0) and has more positional speed than the top two picks. He was only a 1/2 length back of "Newman" last out in what was his first off a Paul Kauffmann claim. He must be left in the mix, and at a square price.
4th pick: #1 (Stalking Lion) (10-1) - He exits the same Dec. 22 race as both "Newman" and "Cigar" and raced evenly while 11 lengths back of that pair. Has the rail, and a minor award at a big price apperas to be his ceiling.