Top pick: #5 (SALEM LOOP) (2-1) - Colt missed by a 'head' April 18 at Aqueduct racing at this tag going 6-furlongs. A career best overall, trainer Tony Dutrow switched him to the turf here May 31. 3yo had a tough outside post and was 'bumped' a bit at the break. He did well to finish 5th of 11, beaten just under 2-lengths. Back on the dirt, he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Big House) (5-1) - Several years back, trainer Mike Mariena burst on the scene with some impressive first-time-out winners. However, he's not been nearly as productive since. This home bred has been working on the Saratoga training track and has attracted jockey John Velazquez for his debut.
3rd pick: #3 (Rimbaud) (4-1) - Regally bred gelding showed some life last out when he finished 4th of 8, beaten 2 1/2 lengths. It was his first start in 3-months and first in a claimer. 3yo by 'Bernardini' is a threat with a small step forward.
4th pick: #2 (Call Daddy) (5-2) - Speedy sort has finished 2nd in each of his last pair on the dirt. Both have come at this level, the latest on June 10 here at Belmont. He should be involved from start-to-finish.