Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (GRADED ON A CURVE) (2-1) - On the sidelines since Sept. 23, this NEW gelding finished second here that afternoon racing at this level and distance. Training steadily at Monmouth Park for Chad Brown (28% off of long layoffs), 3yo gets a slight edge if ready.
2nd pick: #6 (Alphalfa) (5-2) - This colt moves up in class while stretching out in distance. He missed by a 'neck' here debuting June 9 going 7 furlongs facing $40K state bred claimers. Trainer Linda Rice wins at a 31% rate second-time out and at a 29% clip on the increase in distance.
3rd pick: #9 (Jimmy Jazz) (4-1) - The field's lone 4yo, he rallied to finish third of 10, beaten two lengths going 9 furlongs here at this level June 2. It was a solid effort and came following just under eight months on the sidelines. A fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out.
4th pick: #8 (Overlord) (10-1) - Longshot raced evenly when finishing fourth here at this distance June 9. Only his second start, it was his first since debuting Jan. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs when he was claimed by Gary Contessa from Linda Rice for $16,000.