Top pick: #4 (SIDEPOCKET CHAMP) (5-1) - Price play stretches out in distance and will be trying the grass for the first time. Bred for the turf, gelding by "Vronsky" has shown fine early speed in his first two sprints and can take this group from gate-to-wire at a square price.
2nd pick: #3 (Public Interest) (3-1) - Lightly raced Wygod home-bred rallied to finish second last out at Santa Anita and did so from a tough outside post. Colt draws much better today and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Thunder Cole) (9-2) - Gelding by turf sire "Unusual Heat" has been competitive in three starts since coming off a half-year's absence on Sept. 6. He has the inside post, some tactical speed, and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #12 (Rob's Pal) (8-1) - Home-bred is working fast for his first since a troubled fourth-place finish at Santa Anita on Oct. 6. He draws a tough outside post and will need to avoid a wide trip to have a shot at the first prize.
5th pick: #9 (Prospector's Trick) (7-2) - Very lightly-raced gelding stretches out for the first time after rallying to finish fourth when going "down the hill" (6.5 furlongs) at Santa Anita on Oct. 19. Don't just dismiss.