Top pick: #2 (MR. HOPPS) - Son of "Pleasant Tap" showed excellent speed in his well-bet debut before tiring in the last furlong to finish 4th, beaten just over three lengths. Trainer Rick Violette has given him 7 weeks to recover and he's been working steadily on this surface for his 2nd start. Jockey Alan Garcia stays put and he can win this on the front-end.
2nd pick: #10 (D'Sauvage) - Obvious contender has been competitive in 3 of 4 starts at this level and he brings a flexible style to the contest. Colt continues to do fine work in the a.m. and he's a win candidate again this afternoon.
3rd pick: #12 (Bud White) - Florida shipper finished 2nd at Calder facing "open" special weight foes Oct. 30th and faces fellow state-breds today after shipping north. Runs for a new trainer (Scott Volk) and that's a 21% winning angle. Son of "Officer" has a nice work at Belmont since arriving and can contend if he avoids a wide trip from this outside post.
4th pick: #1 (Tap Attack) - Improving son of "Tapit" has finished close-up in two of his three sprints and draws the rail. Has a race over the track and his trainer Scott Schwartz broke a long dry spell yesterday when he upset a heavy favorite in the 3rd race. Can contend at a nice price.