Top pick: #5 (ROMANCING THE GOLD) (2-1) - The fields only 3yo takes on his elders in fine form having won his last pair. Latest score came at Penn National going a mile facing 2x allowance-$25K optional claimers. Stalker is two for three on this surface and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Irish Lion) (3-1) - Veteran lost his rider soon after being bumped at the start on Nov 25th racing on the grass and was claimed that day by Rudy Rodriguez for $30,000. He's worked him twice here since, brings him back at the purchase price, and the new trainer wins at a 25% rate first off the claim.
3rd pick: #7 (Sumo) (7-2) - Soon to be 7yo enters in fine form and last out finished a pace-chasing 3rd at this level going a "flat" mile on the main-track Nov 29. Speed/stalker is strining starts together after several layoffs and is a win candidate.