Top pick: #6 (LURE OF THE SOUTH) (6-5) - Gelding rallied to finish third last out on the grass here on Dec. 6 and was claimed that day by Dave Jacobson for $16K. He's given him almost six weeks of freshening and will drop him slightly in price, switch him to the dirt, and cut him back in distance. Barn wins at a 28% rate with it's new claims and this newly turned 4-year-old meets a very weak field.
2nd pick: #7 (Handy Andy) (3-1) - Well-bred gelding has had problems at the break in both starts and trainer Bill Badgett has had him on the sidelines for the past two months. Working nicely at Belmont for his return and believe he's the main danger.
3rd pick: #1 (Tactical Saenz) (8-1) - Price play ran evenly here facing slightly tougher on Dec. 28 and gelding breaks from the ground saving rail in this spot. Capable of grabbing a share at about 8-1 odds.
5th pick: #2 (Vengeful Pride) (8-1) - He finished third on Nov. 21 facing a bit better but raced evenly last out in a bit of a regression. He was four back of "Saenz" in his latest, but could get a minor award at long odds.