Top pick: #7 (DEPUTY RED) - Gelding showed good early speed before weakening in the last furlong when debuting at Louisisna Downs at this price on Sep 15. Bred/owned/and trainer by Jerry Cart, a sharp 3 furlong gate breeze here in the mud 4 days ago signals this runners readiness.
2nd pick: #5 (Mak's Prince) - Barn (Sam Breaux) wins lots of race every year and this gelding has a solid local half-mile breeze from the gate here on Nov 12. Bred & owned by the trainer and a factor if ready.
3rd pick: #11 (Rogiya) - Races off a bit over a 4 month break and when last seen, he'd run well in two of three starts there facing tougher. Has early speed, is in a good small barn, and is s big threat if he scratches in off of the also-eligible list.
4th pick: #12 (Headtotown) - He cost $40,000 last year as a yearling and debuts for $10K. In a very good barn (Tony Ritchey) and this gelding by "Leestown" has a steady work tab. Ritchey wins at a solid 23% first time out and if this runner scratches in, he's a win candidate.