Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (OBSESSED) (3-1) - Colt is one of four making their debuts. Son of 'More Than Ready' was purchased for $330,000 by Barry Schwartz as a yearling back in Sept. of 2018 and he has a fine series of works on view. Trainer Todd Pletcher has won with 64 of 295 (22%) with first-time starters in 2018-19 and his long time 'go to' rider John Velazquez is aboard.
2nd pick: #7 (Hemlock) (5-2) - Godolphin home bred missed by a 'neck' at this level going 6.5 furlongs at Belmont Sep 7. However,in his followup there at 7 furlongs Oct. 12 he tired while wide to finish 'off the board'. Son of Into Mischief' has worked three times since including a quick half-mile Nov. 3. He's a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Trash Talker) (6-1) - He showed good early in his debut before weakening late to finish 4th of 9, beaten just over 2 lengths at this level and distance Sept. 28 at Belmont. Moved to a grass sprint next out he tired readily after racing close up to a quick pace. Back on the dirt, trainer Dermot Magner has Joel Rosario aboard for this attempt.
4th pick: #5 (Kingmeister) (4-1) - Debuting son of 'Bodemeister' has a half-dozen published works since Oct. 5 including a bullet 5 furlong drill here Oct. 29. Trainer Mark Hennig is capable first out (14%) and this colt looks to have a solid foundation under him.