Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (SEVEN OXEN) (5-1) - A Calumet Farm home bred, he tired while wide while having some traffic issues going 9 furlongs here facing tougher Dec. 28. Down in class for this attempt, I give a small edge in a contest where you should box your bets.
2nd pick: #11 (Cryin Chuck) (6-1) - Calif. bred chased and held to miss by 2 lengths when debuting here in a dirt sprint for a $50K tag Jan. 21. Claimed that day by John Sadler, he brings him back quickly, moves him to the grass, stretches him out in distance, and is adding blinkers. A serious player with Joel Rosario getting aboard.
3rd pick: #5 (Leader of Men) (7-2) - A NEW gelding, 3yo by 'War Front' had a very poor trip facing tougher here Dec. 28. He's worked three times since and is in a claimer for the first time. That's a 50% (5 for 10) winning move by trainer Simon Callaghan and that makes him a late threat.
4th pick: #1 (Lil Sydney) (8-1) - Longshot stretches out in distance while following a wide and even effort debuting here at this $50K tag going 6.5 furlongs on the grass Jan. 20. Blinkers and Flavien Prat are added and think this colt is dangerous at a big price.