Top pick: #3 (HOMETOWN LEGEND) - Churchill Downs invader is racing back into shape following several layoffs and last out tired there after pressing the pace at this distance racing for $15000. Drops a bit, has a bullet local work six days ago, and gelding by "Bernardini" is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Irishwoods) - He showed nothing last out facing better, going longer on the grass here Dec. 9. Trainer Tony Granitz drops his price in half, switches him from turf to dirt, and shortens him up in distance. Two back at Hawthorne, gelding finished second in a 6-furlong dirt sprint. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Dazzle Me Danny) - He ran evenly here at this price on Dec. 7 in his first race in almost three months. Barn brings him back quickly and stretches him out a bit in distance. Can factor today.