Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (EXULT) (2-1) - Colt has been working steadily on the training track at Saratoga for his first race since May 19. $150K purchase raced evenly here that day at this level and distance when finishing fourth. 3yo had finished second in all three previous starts and runs today with blinkers off followinga one race experiment. I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Power Player) (3-1) - A $280,000 son of 'Distorted Humor', he ships from Santa Anita where he rallied while wide to finish 3rd of 11, beaten just over 3 lengths when debuting at this level going a mile Sept. 29. Colt moves from the Baffert barn to Jay Servis, and he's won with 38-of-88 (33%) with new arrivals in 2018-19 and is 14-of-30 (47%) off of long layoffs over that same span. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Malthael) (4-1) - On the sidelines since Nov. 21, home bred was beaten just under a length at Aqueduct that afternoon racing at this level and distance. He has early speed, has a fine series of works on view, and he's a threat if ready.
4th pick: #7 (Bad Boy) (6-1) - An even-paced 5yo, he's been competitive in five straight starts and has been working steadily at Saratoga for his first since May 9. He fits with his best, but will need a fast and/or contested pace for anything more than a minor award.