Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (VIOLENT AFFAIR) (5-1) - A NEW gelding, 3yo has been on the sidelines since Sept. 23. Even paced in most so far, he's shortening up in distance and enters off a pair of sharp back-to-back local 6 furlongs drills. He has a good chance at a square price.
2nd pick: #3 (Optimum) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he missed by less than a length at this tag and trip at Santa Anita. However, in his follow up at Del Mar Nov. 11, he tired badly after being involved in an early speed duel. He should be involved every step.
3rd pick: #6 (The Bull Mousse) (3-1) - Grey gelding showed good speed while wide before tiring to finish third when debuting at this level and distance Nov. 11 at Del Mar. An obvious contender with a repeat of that initial effort.
4th pick: #4 (Sharp Ruler) (15-1) - Longshot has raced evenly in all three starts and is dropping a bit while getting the addition of blinkers. With a bit of improvement he may grab a share at a big price.
5th pick: #10 (The Grand Minister) (10-1) - His outside post is a negative but he's another who has been racing evenly and may get a slice at a big price with a late rally.