Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (AWESOME ADDBACK) (5-2) - Lightly raced and well bred, 4yo moves up to face winners for the first time. $210K gelding by 'Awesome Again' went wire-to-wire here at this distance to get his maiden win Nov 26. He earned a good figure and leading trainer Bob Diodoro has him headed in the right direction.
2nd pick: #4 (Ronnie Cloud) (3-1) - Dangerous rival, he just missed ( a 'neck') here at this level and distance Dec. 12. It was his first following a claim by owner/trainer Nate Owen and 3yo is back in shape since coming of a 7.5-month layoff in early October.
3rd pick: #1 (Piper's Purse) (10-1) - He has more natural sped than most and has a ground saving inside post. Gelding showed some life Dec. 12 at this level and distance in what was his second back from a 6.5-month vacation. Dangerous with his best.
4th pick: #5 (One Brite Day) (8-1) - Longshot is racing back into shape following his return from a nine month layoff in early November. Cal bred fits with his best and has been competitive in four of seven starts in the past at this distance.