Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (CONTINGENT PAYMENT) (2-1) - Well backed when debuting going a mile on the Belmont turf Oct. 27, he broke poorly and raced greenly while never involved. $160K son of 'Lemon Drop Kid' has been on the sidelines since and trainer Chad Brown (29% second time out) makes some changes. He moves him from grass to dirt, drops him way down in price, and adds blinkers. Colt meets a weak field and should break his maiden if he has any ability.
2nd pick: #1 (Tweeter in Chief) (3-1) - Gelding is taking the big drop into claimers for the first time. He tired badly facing much tougher going 8.5 furlongs Nov. 25 at Churchill Downs following a much better effort there Oct. 1. Has the rail and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Burton) (4-1) - He has early speed and is stretching out in distance. $145K purchase tired here going 6 furlongs for a $35K tag Dec. 6. Trainer Brendan Walsh brings him back quickly and leading rider Luis Saez stays aboard. Must be left in the mix.