Top pick: #4 (SAUCY JADE) - Expensive daughter of "Rock Hard Ten" finished a strong second in her debut when she sprinted on the Belmont turf July 9. Working steadily for this and she's been given just over four months from trainer Todd Pletcher to grow and mature. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Hungry Island) - Like many from the McGaughey barn she's well-bred, but has no speed. Filly has ralied to finish in the money in her first pair and can be dangerous if she avoids traffic in this large field.
3rd pick: #9 (Parting Words) - Working fast for her first race since debuting at Saratoga August 27. Daughter of "Artie Schiller" finished a close-up fourth that day and did so despite a horrible trip. Win candidate with Dominguez.
4th pick: #12 (Mountain Rose) - Much improved last out when trainer Bill Mott sent her to the turf and stretched her out in distance. Can contend, but draws a very tough post on this "tight" turf course.