Top pick: #10 (POPPY'S WATCHING) (3-1) - Lightly-raced and improving, he finished second in back-to-back starts at Saratoga at this level and has run well on this course in the past. Speed/stalker has a sharp recent work and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #12 (Gentle Jim) (9-2) - Clearly the main speed, he finished right behind "Poppy" in both "Spa" starts and had to be sent hard last out from a rail draw. Gelding moves to the outside today and this better post can lead to a less stressful trip. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Insighting) (5-1) - Dangerous colt runs third back off a long layoff and will be cutting back in distance off an even trip at Saratoga going a mile. Lightly-raced son of "Sightseeking" must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #8 (Raglin River) (4-1) - Lightly raced 4-year-old comes off a career best when he rallied strongly to just miss at Saratoga last out. Race was his first in 5 1/2 months and he was only a 1/2 back of "Poppy" that day.
5th pick: #7 (Hooked Forever) (12-1) - Longshot continues to race evenly and could grab a small share at a big price if the pace is fast/and or contested.