Top pick: #1a (SMACK JACK) - He's part of an entry with No. 1 "Doctor Ross" and one of three entered by trainer Donnie Von Hemel. Gelding has finished strongly in a pair of local dirt sprints. Home-bred is working very fast for this attempt and his barn moves him to the grass and stretches him out in distance.
2nd pick: #6 (Smokey Deputy) - Grey son of "Smoke Glacken" has improved since switching to the grass and has a flexible running style. Colt ran fourth here at this level and distance after making a strong bid on Oct. 11 and has since come back with a fine work.
3rd pick: #3 (Rule Breaker) - The probable favorite, he's finished second in two straight here at this level and last out was two in front of "Smokey" at the wire. He draws a nice post annd can factor with a trouble free trip.