Top pick: #2 (PULLING G'S ) (7-5) - Gelding was very sharp when debuting at this level and distance at Belmont on Sept. 7. Four-year-old by "Curlin" was involved in a speed-duel through fast fractions and held gamely to finish second. Race was run in very fast time 1:08.80 and trainer John Shirreffs has given him almost two months of freshening. Working fast and this $260K purchase is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Flat Jack) (3-1) - The field's most experienced maiden, he has a speed/stalking style and has gone 8-0-4-2 on the dirt. Colt by "Flatter" has been in with some talented runners along the way and he should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #5 (Flag On the Play) (6-1) - Beautifully bred 3-year-old tracked, made a strong bid, and held to finish second going a mile at Belmont on Sept. 24, for a $50K tag. Claimed that afternoon by Linda Rice, she moves him up in class and shortens him up in distance.
4th pick: #3 (Tashreeh) (7-2) - Shadwell home bred has some sharp works on a limited work tab and son of "Hard Spun" is in a capable first out barn (Kiaran McLaughlin 19%). His AM moves indicate speed is present and he can factor if ready.