Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (MR JORDAN) (8-5) - Veteran enters in sharp form having finished second here in a G3 stakes facing 'open' company Dec. 16. Speed/stalker is back in with fellow Florida breds in this $200,000 contest and speed/stalker gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Jay's Way) (6-1) - He's moving up in class after winning here by a 'nose' going 8.5 furlongs Dec. 26 facing 'open' company against optional-$50K claimers. It was by far his best since returning from a half-year's layoff Nov. 5 and he has a good shot at a square price.
3rd pick: #6 (Richard the Great) (3-1) - Late developer has lost two straight to 'Mr Jordan', but was only a 'neck' behind him here Dec. 16. Stalker draws a nice outside post in this small field and that will give rider Paco Lopez some early options.
4th pick: #3 (Flemish Cap) (5-1) - Not as accomplished as the top three selections, he's in career best form. Another speed/stalker, he's won three of his last four and scored here going a mile Dec. 31. It's noted that trainer Dave Braddy has Javier Castellano aboard for the first time.