Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (VENETIAN HARBOR) (5-2) - $110.000 daughter of 'Munnings' was bet down to even-money favoritism debuting in a five-furlong grass sprint Nov. 15 at Del Mar. Involved every step, she checked in 2nd of eight, missing by just under a length. She's worked three times since on the dirt at the San Luis Rey Center, and I give her a slight edge if she handles today's surface switch.
2nd pick: #1 (Nora's Joy) (9-5) - The morning line and probable favorite, she's finished 2nd in both starts at this level sprinting on the dirt. The latest came here going 6.5 furlongs Sept. 28, and she's breezed here a half-dozen times since Nov. 15 for this attempt. She has the rail, blinkers on, and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Bristol Bayou) (9-2) - She raced evenly when checking in a non-threatening 3rd Nov. 16 at Del Mar. It was a career best, her first in blinkers, but after a poor break she was 10.5 lengths in back of 'Nora's Joy' here Sept. 28. $70K purchase will need to step it up in this spot.