Top pick: #1 (CLOSE TO THE EDGE) - Races first off a Ted West claim and colt moves back to real dirt where most of his success has come. Speed/stalker has plenty of back class, draws the rail, and leading jock Pedroza is aboard. Very tough with a "clean" trip.
2nd pick: #3 (Magnificent Blend) - He's 13 for 33 overall and 5 of those wins have come on conventional dirt surfaces. Freshened up by trainer Bob Diodoro since early August this hard-hitting veteran is a big danger down the stretch.
3rd pick: #6 (Bell Zone) - Very speedy gelding comes from the Cal.Fair circuit where he's won 3 of his last 4. He was a bit wide last out at Santa Rosa facing tougher and finished 4th, but had won three in succession prior to that. Win candidate.