Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (SPIRIT MISSION) (7-2) - Lightly raced and well-bred, he's dropping down to a new low while switching from turf to dirt. The 3yo by 'Scat Daddy' broke his maiden here at this distance Sept. 23, then following a 7-week break, he raced evenly facing $35,000 claimers on the Del Mar grass Nov. 12. He worked an above average half-mile Nov. 27 and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Jersey's Heat) (4-1) - He raced rather poorly at this level and distance Nov. 22 at Del Mar. It was his first off a Reed Saldana claim and he brings him back on a two-week turnaround for this attempt. Gelding's lone win came here at this trip July 7 and is earned him a career-high figure.
3rd pick: #2 (Latitude) (6-1) - He's improved since moving to the Hollendorfer barn in early July. Competitive in 4 of his last 5 sprinting, the stalker is stretching out in distance for this attempt. Working fast locally and think he can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #4 (Odyssey Explorer) (6-1) - Stretch runner is facing winners for the first time. He rallied from last to win by a 'nose' at this distance Nov. 4 at Santa Anita and is nicely spotted today.