Top pick: #7 (BYTHELITEOFTHEMOON) (4-1) - Price-play raced wide and evenly here in a two-turn grass race Dec. 7 when running for a $75K claiming tag. Good barn (Jim DiVito) brings him back quickly, drops him down in price, switches him to the dirt, and cuts him back to one turn. The top pick.
2nd pick: #2 (Mister Woolman) (9-5) - The probable heavy favorite, he ships down from New York where he finished third at Belmont Oct. 18 racing at this level and distance. In the barn of Nick Zito, home-bred has trainer at Saratoga, Churchill, and most recently Palm Measdows since he last raced. Obvious threat against this group.
3rd pick: #5 (Brat) (8-1) - Colt took a bit of money when debuting here in a two-turn grass race Dec. 6 and raced evenly after hesitating a bit when the gates opened. Trainer Tim Hamm (80 for 399 on the year) brings him back quickly, adds lasix, and moves him to the main track.