Top pick: #10 (PISCO BLISS) (3-1) - Lightly raced son of turf sire "Kitten's Joy" raced evenly when finishing fifth of 12, beaten 1 1/2 lengths racing here at this tag & trip on Sept. 13. It was his first start in 10 1/2 months, and the leading trainer at this meet (Chad Brown) has him making back-to-back starts for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Double Whammy) (5-1) - Colt cost a bundle ($535K) and began his career in the barn of Todd Pletcher. He was claimed last out for $40K by Dave Jacobson and has been freshened up for the past two months. New barn wins at a 26% rate off the claim, and this colt has shown enough ability to be a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #7 (Bold Runner) (7-2) - The main speed, he's been much improved since blinkers went on in late August and has gone 3-0-1-2 since that time. Gelding by "Congrats" missed by a "head" here Sept. 13 at this level, and it's a big plus that J.J. Castellano stays aboard. Win candidate.
4th pick: #9 (Ready Mecke) (10-1) - Longshot has raced evenly in the majority of his races and is running off a five month layoff this afternoon. He's been working nicely for his return, and trainer Dale Romans looks to have him headed in the right direction.