Top pick: #1 (BIG LUTE) (6-5) - The probable heavy favorite, he was an easy winner at Belmont on Oct. 25 in his first off a Dave Jacobson claim and a subsequent four month layoff. Speedy colt should beat this group with an alert getaway.
2nd pick: #5 (Mop Head) (5-1) - Even paced sort drops down off a fourth-place finish here for a $35K tag Oct. 30. It was his first off a claim and a useful effort for new trainer Danny Gargan. Looks like the only threat.
3rd pick: #4 (Harlan's Hello) (9-2) - He has a bit of speed but is racing off a 4 1/2 month layoff. Six-year-old was away for almost three years before returning in early June and believe a small slice is his ceiling.