Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (SOUPER TAPIT) (7-2) - He enters off a sharp win here facing 'open' company going a mile in an 'off the turf' contest Dec. 16. A Live Oak home bred by 'Tapit', he earned a career-best figure that afternoon in what was his first ever on the local dirt. I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Dalmore) (5-1) - This veteran has spent his entire career facing 'open' company and has gone 22-4-6-1 while earning almost $500K racing on the dirt. The 6yo has a speed/stalking style, has the rail, and enters off a near miss at this distance in a $100K stakes at Laurel Nov 10. He's working fast here has Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, and I almost made this runner the top choice.
3rd pick: #7 (Jay's Way) (20-1) - Longshot won this race a year ago, but has run poorly in his four starts since then. He retains his early speed, is working fast, and will take them as far as he can at a big price.
4th pick: #4 (Mr Jordan) (3-1) - A hard-hitting veteran, he always brings his best but he seems to race better out of town. One-run type should grab a share, but believe he would have to really step it up for anything more than that.