Top pick: #3 (SPRING ACTION) (3-1) - Gelding was beaten three lengths here at this level going a mile on the grass Aug. 9. It was his first start in two months and first since coming from Kentucky. Trainer Mark Casse brings him back quickly and stretches him out a furlong. The top pick.
2nd pick: #1 (Opsec) (7-2) - $220,000 son of "Pioneer of the Nile" just missed when debuting in a dirt sprint at Los Alamitos July 5th. Colt ran evenly here last out going a mile on the "poly" and trainer Bob Baffert switches him to the grass and sends him a bit longer.
3rd pick: #5 (Play Hard to Get) (4-1) - Gelding has finished foruth in all three starts, each on the grass. He made a strong middle-move in his latest and has worked very fast since. Win candidate in this spot.
4th pick: #6 (Athens) (10-1) - Longshot cost $550k and so far has been a bust. He makes his way west from Kentucky and exits the barn of Bill Mott. Ridgling by "Giant's Causeway" has early speed and is bred for the grass and this longer distance. Price play.