Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (BOBBYFROMTHEPALM) (3-1) - Lightly raced gelding finished third here at this distance for a $40K tag Nov. 27. Only his second start, it was his first since debuting at Saratoga Sept. 1 when he was claimed by George Weaver for $50,000. Brought back in 23 days for this attempt, he's taking a slight drop while entering off a solid half-mile breeze Dec. 10.
2nd pick: #1a (Hostile Witness) (5-1) - He's part of an entry with #1 'Carnegie Song' due to common ownership. He tired late to finish behind a pair of today's rivals but showed good early speed while having a tough trip between horses. $75K purchase draws a nice post at this one-turn mile and is a threat at a square price.
3rd pick: #6 (Uncle Ned) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he finished second here Nov. 27 and defeated both 'Bobbyfromthepalm' and 'Hostile Witness' in that contest. Colt by 'Uncle Mo' sold for $375,000 as a 2yo in training this past March and runs today for a $30K tag. He's a rather obvious win candidate at a very short price.
4th pick: #4 (Yah Huh) (12-1) - Colt basically ran around the track when debuting at Belmont Park Oct. 28 in an 8.5 furlong contest against tougher on the grass. Trainer Ray Handal 19% second time out, switches him to the dirt, drops him into a claimer, and adds blinkers. He may grab a slice at a big price.