Top pick: #14 (STAR OF AMERICA) - He finished a pace-chasing second at Santa Anita racing at this tag and trip on Oct. 6 in what was his first since late Feb. Latest saw him lose all chance with a trouble start and trainer Linda Mikus brings him back quickly for this attempt. Gelding will be racing on a "poly" surface for the first time and can take this if it sgrees with him.
2nd pick: #7 (Lethal Intent) - Price play shortens up in distance, goes turf to "poly," and drops back down after an even effort facing tougher on the Santa Anita grass on Oct. 28. He tends to run evenly but believe he's set to factor at long odds.
3rd pick: #9 (Besame Suances) - Cal-bred takes the big plunge into maiden claimers for the first time and has been competitive a number of times in the past facing better. He's nearing his 7th birthday and he should be a major player in this spot.
4th pick: #15 (Midnight Raven) - Price play has shown enough ability on both dirt and "poly" and draws a fine outside post for his stalking style. Blinkers are removed after a three race experiment and 3-year-old was only beaten a length at Del Mar the last time he ran without the "hood."