Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (SMILING MASON) (7-2) - Freshened up since Oct. 27, this home bred was competitive in all three starts earlier in the fall. Midwest Farm's colt has a stalking style, drops to a new low, and can win this if ready.
2nd pick: #1 (Sebas Ranger) (4-1) - Speedy colt races off a positive trainer change to Ed Loza, Jr. New trainer is 42 of 141 (30%) this year and has won with three of eight runners with new arrivals. He drops him to a new low and had this 2yo work a bullet five furlongs from the gate Dec. 6. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (Dramaturgo) (10-1) - He received serious betting support in his first pair on the grass, and showed an improved effort when switched to the dirt at this tag Dec. 6. Well bred, trainer Tony Sano has him headed in the right direction.
4th pick: #12 (Charlie's Cousin) (12-1) - Bred for speed, colt takes a big drop for his third attempt. Son of 'With Distinction' raced evenly for a $35K tag Nov. 14 and can factor here. I would like him more except for his tough outside post.