Top pick: #7 (MR. HARLAN) (5-1) - Colt took some betting action in his debut and raced evenly while breaking from a difficult rail post in a large field (12). Trainer Lisa Lewis (11 for 69 on the year) has worked him twice since, and she adds blinkers. Son of "Harlan's Holiday" has a solid shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #4 (Saint Joseph) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he exits the same last race as "Mr. Harlan," and he finished a close up fourth after setting a pressured pace. Trainer Chad Brown has worked him three times since, and this son of "Flatter" is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Persuasive Devil) (4-1) - The field's most experienced maiden, he's been competitive in all five starts, is cutting back a furlong, and going turf to dirt. Speed/stalker should be involved every step.
4th pick: #1 (Copernicus) (12-1) - Longshot was eliminated at the break when debuting in the same Oct. 8th Belmont race as several others. Underated barn (Dave Cannizzo) adds Lasix, has worked him three times since, and it's a big plus that John Velazquez stays aboard.
5th pick: #3 (Got Winged) (9-2) - He has some speed, and last out finished in front of "Harlan," "Joseph," and "Copernicus." Colt by "Posse" is an obvious threat, but believe those runners have more room for upside.