Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (MARAUD) (3-1) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. Lightly-raced colt has been sharp in all three appearances and enters off a pair of second and third place finishes in stakes. Strong finisher checked in a distant third here Dec. 9 in his first race since Sept. 30 and may have needed that start. With John Velazquez out of town Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard.
2nd pick: #8 (Channel Cat) (4-1) - The second of the Pletcher trained pair, he's been on the sidelines since breaking his maiden here going a mile Sept. 23. Heavily bet in all three attempts, he's working steadily and may have a bright future. Can factor if ready off just under a 4 month layoff.
3rd pick: #10 (Storm Runner) (6-1) - He's been competitive in all four starts and has been freshened up for the past two months. Team Valor runner has a stalking style and fits with these on figures. Look for a competitive effort at a square price.
4th pick: #7 (Time On Target) (10-1) - Colt cost $450,000 as a Keeneland Sales Yearling back in Sept. of 2016. He went gate to wire at this trip Nov 18 at Aqueduct for his maiden win at odds of 26-1. Only his second start, it was his first on the grass and he's been working above average for trainer Bill Mott on the deep surface at Payson Park.