Top pick: #5 (BAD TO THE ROAN) (9-5) - Lightly-raced grey gelding finished an even third facing a bit tougher at Belmont Oct. 17. It was his second back from a four month layoff and trainer George Weaver has worked him three times since. It's always a plus when J.J. Castellano is taking the mount for the first time and this 3-year-old by "Smoke Glacken" is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Awesome Lute) (2-1) - Of those that have started he has the next best form. Lightly-raced home bred was reclaimed by Rich Schosberg after losing him for one race and he's dropping him down to a new low in claiming price. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Show of Force) (5-1) - Debuting gelding is from a capable first out barn (Dom Schettino). Home bred by "Stonesider" had a very sharp 1/2 mile breeze from the gate at Belmont Oct. 26 that suggests he has talent. He need not be much to factor against these.
4th pick: #2 (Thug Daddy) (8-1) - Gelding showed some ability in his first pair at Saratoga in 2013, but went in for a long layoff (eight months) and has raced poorly in all four return starts. Three-year-old by "Scat Daddy" hasn't seen action since July 6th, but all of his published a.m. drills are impressive. Can do some damage at a square price.