Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (BLESSED BY THE BEST) (2-1) - A lightly raced 3yo, colt has been competitive in three straight. Latest came when he finished third of 11, beaten just under 3 lengths at this distance for a $10K tag Nov. 14. Claimed that afternoon by Jorge Delgado, he's won with 14 of 49 (29%) off of that transaction since Jan. 1 of 2018. State bred enters off a bullet half-mile breeze Dec. 21 and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #5 (Gambit) (7-2) - Churchill shipper rallied from far back to finish third there going 6 furlongs for a $15K tag Nov. 29. It was his first race since June 20 and 4yo has now been competitive in all three attempts since dropping under a $20,000 claiming price. Home bred has a flexible style and is a threat.
3rd pick: #4 (Vinestone) (6-1) - On the sidelines since June 13, gelding is dropping in class in his first start following the layoff and a trainer change to Joe Catanese III. In steady training here since Nov. 24, he's breezed five times during that period and could land a share if ready.
4th pick: #2 (King Wade) (15-1) - Longshot has been competitive in two of his last three and has a flexible style. However, this is start 25 in search of his maiden win and believe a minor award is his ceiling.