Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (BEBEAU) (2-1) - This $400,000 son of 'Bernardini' finished second here when debuting at a mile on a sloppy surface Dec. 15. Trainer Todd Pletcher (29% 2nd time out), stretches him out around two-turns, and Javier Castellano stays aboard.
2nd pick: #1 (Country House) (9-5) - He's been freshened up since Dec. 1 when he missed by a 1/2 length going a mile at Aqueduct in what was a big move forward off his grass debut Oct at Belmont Park. Trainer Bill Mott had him breeze a bullet half-mile at Payson Park Jan. 5 and this son of 'Lookin At Lucky' draws the rail. He's a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Pow) (6-1) - This home bred by 'Curlin' raced both wide and evenly when debuting in a 7-furlong contest Nov. 17 at Churchill Downs. Trainer Dale Romans is adding Lasix, sending him longer, and two of this colt's three local works have been on the quick side.
4th pick: #3 (Thetrashmanscoming) (5-1) - This no-speed type has rallied to finish third in three straight, the latest coming here at this distance Dec. 28. Colt was 3.5 lengths in back of 'Bebeau' here Dec. 15 and I believe a minor award is his ceiling.