Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (DREAMING OF J C ) (2-1) - Son of 'Animal Kingdom' has had excuses in his first pair facing much tougher. Owned by the high profile Frank Calabrese, he newly turned 3yo, and runs off a private trainer switch to Angel Rodriguez (16 of 49, 33%, with new arrivals), and he had this one work a quick half-mile from the gate here Dec. 10.
2nd pick: #5 (Dramaturgo) (15-1) - Longshot enters off a very wide and even trip here at this level going 5.5 furlongs Dec. 17. It was a career best, and he's clearly improving. I think he'll be competitive at a big price.
3rd pick: #9 (El Guerrero Azteca) (7-2) - This colt finished 3rd here Dec. 17 in his first at this $12,500 claiming price. Stalker earned a career best figure and has a nice outside post for this 6.5-furlong trip.
4th pick: #7 (Capt. Overdrive) (6-1) - He set a pressured pace and held until the final stages when he tired to finish 4th here at this tag Dec. 6. It was his first with Lasix and a big move forward off his Nov. 8 debut.