Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (SWORD FIGHTER) (4-1) - This stalking type drops in class, switches from turf to dirt, and is stretching out in distance. He rallied to finish 3rd in a grass sprint Nov. 17 facing tougher in his first back from a seven-week break. I give him a very small edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Conqueror) (2-1) - He's taking a big drop in his first start in 3.5 months. This strong finisher just missed here going six furlongs while facing tougher Sept. 6 and is a perfect two for two at this seven-furlong trip. An obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Beantown Boys) (3-1) - He has an excellent form on view, but all those races have come at a mile or longer. He fits well with these, and his outside post from the seven-furlong chute will give jockey Edwin Maldanado some early options. This 4yo gelding must be left in the mix.