Top pick: #3 (THE BLACK) - He's been facing much tougher in his last pair and trainer Doug O'Neill will drop him back into a claimer this afternoon. Colt by "Cherokee Run" has rallied to finish second in both previous races when "tagged", including a near miss on this surface on Oct. 21. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #10 (Papa P B) - He had a wide post in his debut and after angling in, he rallied to finish fifth of 12, beaten 5 lengths. Claimed that day by Dave Hoffmans for $30K, colt has an excellent 5-furlong gate work on the Jan. 28. Win candidate at a nice price.
3rd pick: #8 (Patriotic Lion) - He continues to get bet and disappoint. He did finish third here at this tag last out and does have some early speed. Don't just dismiss.