Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (ALLURED) (3-1) - One of two entered by trainer Chad Brown and the air race uncoupled. $600,000 son of 'Flater' has finished 2nd in both starts, the latest at this distance Oct. 7 at Belmont Park. Working steadily since, he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Variant Perception) (7-2) - The second of the pair from trainer Chad Brown. son of 'Curlin' raced evenly to finish fourth when debuting Aug. 19 at Saratoga. He hit the gate at the break but was only three lengths in back of 'Allured' at he finish. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1a (Vino Rosso) (7-2) - Debuting colt is another son of 'Curlin'. In the Pletcher barn (22% first time out), his last three works are on the quick side and John Velazquez is aboard. Dangerous if ready.
4th pick: #9 (Labeq) (8-1) - Grey son of 'Tapit' cost the Shadwell people $575,000 as a yearling in Sept. of 2016 at Keeneland. Working steadily, his latest three a.m. drills have picked up in intensity. Must be left in the mix.