Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (FOLLOW THE MOON) (7-2) - Very lightly raced 3yo tired when debuting here going five furlongs for a $30K tag Nov. 6th. He was involved most of the way before weakening in the final furlong. Trainer Dog Oliver has worked him twice since, drops him down, and stretches him out a furlong. Gelding gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Roi Soleil) (8-5) - Long time maiden shortens up in distance following a pair of back-to-back, local 2nd place finishes at this $5K tag going a mile. Back in shape following a 7.5-month layoff, and he's a very strong win candidate. I could have easily made him the top pick.
3rd pick: #8 (Blazin Bandini) (5-1) - Away since early March, he tired that day at Sunland Park when debuting facing tougher. He's worked four times here since Oct. 17th and is taking a big drop in class. Dangerous at a square price if ready.
4th pick: #3 (Lucky Cat) (9-2) - He's one of two entered by veteran Wilton Whitehouse, and the pair race uncoupled. Debuting 5yo has a pair of local works since shipping here from Fresno. He need not be anything special to factor against this group.