Top pick: #3 (BIG TOWN) (10-1) - Veteran speed/stalker was claimed on Sept. 10 by trainer Dave Jacobson for $40K. Gelding's form had slipped at that time and the new barn sent him in for almost a two month break. He's been sharp in both return races and catches a field where the pace picture should play out fine for his style. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Pleiadian) (7-2) - Since mid-August this speedy gelding has gone 5-3-2-0 and has been beaten narrowly in two straight at this tag following a Chris Englehart claim. He draws the rail and should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #7 (Herbal Prospector) (12-1) - He raced evenly going 7-furlong facing just a bit tougher on Nov. 7 at Belmont. It was his first back from a two month freshening and has back class to call upon. Gelding is the only entrant with previous success on this surface (3-2-1-0 and it's apprentice Rodriguez off and Irad Ortiz Jr on.
4th pick: #2 (Little Jimmy) (3-1) - He has a solid year going 11-3-5-0 and speedster is racing first off a Jeremiah Englehart claim (a 23% winning angle). His chances hinge on whether he can establish an uncontested early lead.