Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (SEMPER FORTIS) (5-2) - Colt is one of two entered in today's opener by trainer Doug O'Neill. Freshened up since Oct 3, he's dropping into a claimer for the first time while shortening up in distance. Colt showed good early speed in both sprints facing tougher and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Five Star Tack) (2-1) - Just like Doug O'Neill trainer Adam Kitchingman has two entered in this five furlong maiden contest. This colt tired after showing sharp early speed when debuting October 24 facing tougher at Santa Anita. Working fast since, barn has won with two of it's last five maidens when dropping them into claimers.
3rd pick: #7 (Alaskan Cruise) (12-1) - The second of the Kitchingman pair, $110K gelding by 'City Zip' ships down from Golden Gate Fields. He was never involved when debuting there on the Tapeta surface Sept 4. However, he did have some traffic issues and had a sharp local gate work here Nov 15. May contend at long odds.
4th pick: #1 (Media Melee) (7-2) - The second of the O'Neill pair, colt is making his debut and is bred for speed. Working very fast, this colt by 'Mass Media' breaks from the rail in this abbreviated sprint. Must be left in the mix.