Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (JUSTCALLMENORMAN) (7-2) - He's one of two entered by trainer Mark Casse and the pair race as separate betting interests. This colt was also was bred by him and is owned by his wife. He's finished 4th in three straight starts all on the grass facing 'open' company and is in against fellow Florida breds in this spot. Javier Castellano stays aboard and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Souper Jaguar) (2-1) - The second of the Casse trained pair, he rallied to miss by a 'head' when debuting in a 5-furlong grass sprint facing 'open' rivals here Dec. 22. A Live Oak home bred, Casse (17% second time out) stretches him out in distance and has Irad Ortiz Jr aboard. This son of 'Quality Road' completes a strong hand from the barn.
3rd pick: #2 (Lucky Mike) (5-1) - This colt missed by a length in a $75,000 stakes on the grass for Florida breds Nov. 10 at Gulfstream Park West(the former Calder facility). In his follow up here Dec. 1, he had a lot of traffic issues while never really involved. Back in with state breds, he has Jose Ortiz aboard for this attempt.
4th pick: #4 (Red Fog) (10-1) - The field's most experienced maiden, he's been competitive in three of his last four starts, has good early speed, and runs today following a pair of sharp works. A 'live' longshot.
5th pick: #1 (Micah Man) (30-1) - Colt has a bit of speed, is racing second back after almost 4.5 months on the sidelines, and draws the rail. He's making his turf debut, is bred to handle the surface, and may grab a share at a huge price.