Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (JUST RIGHT) (4-1) - The field's only two-time winner, this stalker is cutting back in distance coming off a pair of sharp efforts here going a mile. From the Pletcher barn, home bred is in shape, has a fine post at this distance, and runs off a pair of good half-mile breezes since he last raced (Dec. 9).
2nd pick: #4 (Kadens Courage) (9-2) - Home bred colt broke his maiden here by 11 1/2 lengths at this distance Nov. 30. Son of 'Frost Giant' had been competitive in all four starts prior to that and moved in with stakes company here Dec. 16. He was bumped at the break, but ran well after that issue to finish 3rd. I think he's a strong factor a a square price.
3rd pick: #6 (Thorny Tale) (5-1) - This gelding had a tough outside trip on a very sloppy surface to finish 2nd here in a $150K stakes. He was 2.5 lengths in back of today's foe 'Blindwillie McTell,' and that same margin in front of 'Kadens Courage.' He has a better post today, his stalking style fits well in this group, and the 3yo worked fast Jan. 5.
4th pick: #2 (Blindwillie McTell) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he broke running and went all the way on a sloppy surface to win a $150K stakes here Dec. 16. He defeated a pair of today's contenders that afternoon and is an obvious contender, but I think he's beatable at a short price.
5th pick: #1 (Bydawnsearlylight) (15-1) - Longshot has been freshened up since he broke his maiden going six furlongs here Nov. 22. By far his best, it was his first in blinkers, and this son of 'More Than Ready' may factor today at a big price.