Fair GroundsSat, December 30, 2023

OPTIMAL COURAGE (6) missed the frame last time when fourth at this track (Dirt). That followed a run of four wins on end. Record at this journey is impressive with five wins and three placings from 12 runs and should prove tough to beat. MOTION TO STRIKE (3) is in fine form and hasn't missed the frame in his past four starts. Last time out he scored over 5½f at this track. Leading contender. BREAKING NEWS (1) finished second at this track two runs back but didn't measure up last time over 6f at this track (Dirt), finishing 19 lengths back in sixth. Has the class to put the recent run behind him. MAGIC CASTLE (4) last appeared seven-and-a-half weeks ago over 6f at Remington Park when he finished second. This is his first run for the Joe Sharp stable.