Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (NOLO CONTESTO) (5-2) - He missed by a half-length here at this level and distance Aug. 1 in his first since doing the same under similar conditions May 22 at Santa Anita. This 4yo stalker was highly thought of early in his 3yo season, but his career has been plagued by several layoffs since that time. Working fast for this attempt, he'll be tough with a clean trip.
2nd pick: #1 (Tizamagician) (8-1) - This longshot made a solid bid but leveled off to check-in 3.5 lengths in back of 'Nolo Contesto' Aug. 1. This 3yo fits with his best, has a ground-saving post, and I think he's a strong threat at a big price.
3rd pick: #5 (Ronamo) (5-1) - Since returning from a 4.5-month layoff March 5, he's gone 6-2-3-1 and has picked up his figures in his last pair after being claimed by Phil D'Amato for $42,000 June 2 at Churchill Downs. He doesn't have the regal breeding of 'Nolo Contesto' or 'Tizamagician,' but he doesn't know that and should be in this from gate-to-wire.
4th pick: #3 (Strongconstitution) (9-2) - A lightly raced $220,000 colt by 'Constitution,' he's stretching out in distance while switching from grass to dirt in his second back off a nine-month layoff. Competitive in all four attempts, he finished 2nd here in the G3 Bob Hope at seven-furlongs Nov. 16 before the long absence. He may have a bright future and is dangerous as he takes on older foes.