Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (SHOOTER PETE) (12-1) - Long shot had serious trouble at the break in his debut facing tougher and was never involved. Dropped to this tag last out, he broke sharply and tired after dueling for a half-mile. Gelding had a quick five furlong gate work here Nov 21 and trainer Steve Asmussen's local favorite Ramon Vazquez is aboard for the first time.
2nd pick: #8 (That's the Truth) (3-1) - Home bred has finished 2nd in two straight here since dropping down to this $20K tag. Speed/stalker should be involved every step with a repeat of either of those efforts.
3rd pick: #10 (Maddog Cyclone) (4-1) - Well bet in his debut, grey gelding tired badly after racing close up to a very fast early pace. Freshened up for two months, trainer Karl Broberg drops him in class and has this Texas bred working fast.
4th pick: #5 (Border Pal) (5-2) - Colt has early speed but has finished evenly during the late stages of all five starts. Fits with his best, but he needs to do better in the final two furlongs.
5th pick: #12 (Spicewood Springs) (20-1) - He has early speed, but has tired badly in both outings. Grey colt is well bred and draws a good post to 'gun' from. Takes them as far as he can.