Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (GORELLI) (6-5) - The morning line favorite, speed/stalker missed by less than a length going seven furlongs Nov. 30. It was his second start back of a pair of layoffs and first ever in a claimer. Competitive facing tougher many times in the past, he can break his maiden in this spot.
2nd pick: #7 (Stony Brook) (7-2) - Lightly-raced 4-year-old moves up in class for his first race since Nov. 18. He missed by a 'neck' going 6.5 furlongs for a $25K tag facing fellow state breds that afternoon and was probably best as he was six wide turning for home. Dangerous today.
3rd pick: #5 (Starry Messenger) (9-2) - Gelding moves up in class and is shortening up in distance. He missed by less than a length here going two turns for a $25K tag Dec. 14 and was claimed that day by Steve Asmussen. New barn wins at a 20% clip first off the claim and at a 22% rate on the distance switch.
4th pick: #1 (Hopper Dropper) (12-1) - Longshot has the rail and has some good works showing for his first since Nov. 9. Long time maiden can grab a share at a big price with a stretch rally.