Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (PLAY BIG) (3-1) - Gelding is racing third back from a 6.5 month layoff and enters off a second place finish here at this tag Sept. 9. It was his first in a claimer and a career best overall. $500,000 purchase gets a very slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Kohlhase) (8-5) - The probable favorite, he has sharp early speed and is racing second back from just under a year's layoff. He tired racing for twice this tag in his return effort Aug 17 at Saratoga and is taking a sharp drop. An obvious win candidate and I could have easily made him the top selection.
3rd pick: #5 (Tree Top Lover) (5-1) - He's been competitive in three of four starts at this $20K claiming price. Stalker was less than a length behind 'Play Big' last out and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #7 (Bermuda Triangle) (4-1) - Blinkers go on 3-year-old who is racing first off a Joe Sharp claim (22%) and a subsequent 70 day freshening. He fits with his best, but will need to rate a bit in this spot.