Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (GUNFIRE) (5-2) - Like all entered, he's lightly raced, stretching out in distance, and running on the grass for the first time. Home bred by top sire 'Tapit' raced evenly when debuting in a dirt sprint June 19 at Santa Anita. Bred for the turf, he's working above average locally and is from the barn of the leading trainer here (Bob Diodoro). The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #9 (Mak'n a Kowboy) (3-1) - He missed by a 'neck' here when debuting in a five furlong grass sprint at this level Oct 19. In his follow up start, he was 'bumped' at the break before recovering to finish fourth in a $40K stakes going six furlongs Nov 1. Capable barn (Bill Brashears) moves him to the lawn and stretches him out.
3rd pick: #6 (Rifle Talk) (7-2) - One of five making their debuts, gelding is from a 'hot' barn (Molly Pearson). He's been in steady training since early September and can factor if ready.
4th pick: #4 (Circus Ride) (8-1) - Gelding has been freshened up since late August at Emerald Downs. He's shown early speed before tiring in a pair of dirt sprints and should be involved most of the way.