Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (LORD COMMANDER) (6-5) - Lightly-raced and well bred, he's been freshened up since Dec. 8. Son of 'Giant's Causeway' finished third here that day for a $50K tag at this six furlong distance. Trainer Todd Pletcher drops him to a new low while his outside post in this small field with give jockey Jose Ortiz some early options.
2nd pick: #4 (Timber) (7-2) - New York bred rallied to win here at this distance racing for a $25,000 claiming price Dec. 17. It was his first off a claim by Chris Englehart and came off a two month break. He's worked fast since and moves up a bit in his first at his 3l condition.
3rd pick: #2 (Dr. Shane) (6-1) - He was a stakes winer as a 2-year-old back in 2015, but his past 14 months have been highlighted by a pair of layoffs and only four starts. He showed some life here Dec. 8 when he finished fourth while 2.5 lengths behind 'Lord Commander.' He has some speed and looks set for a competitive effort.