Top pick: #8 (HORATIO) (9-2) - Stalker is racing first off a Michelle Nevin claim (10 for 40, 25%). He tired that afternoon racing for a $20K tag, and this veteran gelding has done his best work on the main track here (4-1-3-0). Has a solid shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #1a (Indian Nobility) (5-2) - Originally part of a Dave Jacobson, he scratched the stronger half (#1 "Big Lute") and lets this well bred gelding go it alone. Claimed in mid-August at Saratoga for $50K, he was sent in for a two month freshening at that time. 4yo by "Indian Charlie" hasn't been involved in either start since returning, but they came facing much tougher. Barn has him taking a big drop and it's $37,500 less than they paid for him. Tough call.
3rd pick: #3 (Classic Salsa) (5-1) - Lightly raced colt hasn't raced since chasing a quick pace before tiring to finish third at Belmont Oct. 3rd for a $25K tag. Claimed that day by Rudy Rodriguez, he drops his price in half, and is racing off almost an 8-week freshening. The trainer/jockey (Irad Ortiz, Jr.) combination won twice here yesterday including a $100K stakes.
4th pick: #6 (Shot to Win) (8-1) - Speedy sort is dropping a bit and shortening up in distance for this attempt. Gelding tired after setting a moderate pace going a mile here on Nov. 5th in what was his first start since July 23. Don't totally dismiss him.