Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (RULES OF WAR) (7-2) - Gelding is dropping in class in his second start back of a 70 day break. Leading trainer Bob Diodoro is switching him from turf to dirt and shortens him up in distance. Both career wins have been on the dirt and he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Heber) (3-1) - State bred chased and held down the place spot going six furlongs here at this level Oct. 30. It was his first race since July 9 and he may have needed the effort. Stalker has the rail and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Shred the Rules) (2-1) - Lightly raced and speedy, Calif. bred is racing second back from a nine month layoff. He finished 3.5 lengths behind 'Heber' in his return race after stumbling at the break. He comes back on short notice and leading jockey Scott Stevens is aboard for the first time. This 3-year-old by 'Tribal Rule' must be left in the win mix at a short price.