Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (BANNON) (9-5) - From the Pletcher barn, colt made up some ground when debuting at this mile distance for a $50K tag Dec. 17 at Aqueduct. Trainer wins at a 31% rate second time out and is a strong 24% with maiden claimers. He drops this son of 'Tiznow' way down in price and has leading rider Luis Saez aboard.
2nd pick: #4 (Gran Fortress) (2-1) - Gelding finished a pace-setting second here at this tag and trip Dec. 14. It was his first since Sept. 29 and he was claimed that afternoon by Gary Gullo. New trainer is based in New York but has done well 7-2-2-1 at this meet and he wins at a 27% rate first of the claim. A serious player today.
3rd pick: #1 (Bullroarer) (10-1) - Stalker has blinkers added and breaks from the rail. Grey colt was finished third here Dec. 14, but was 9.5 lengths in back of 'Gran Fortress' that afternoon. At this stage a minor award is his ceiling.