Top pick: #6 (VILLANDRY) - Nice debut at Saratoga saw him chase the very impressive "Seeker" and hold him position until the last 1/16th when he weakened from his early effort and tired to finish fourth. Trainer Jimmy Jerkens brings him back quickly (19 days) and that race at the Spa was on a sloppy track amd that's valuable experience. Jerkens wins at a 28% rate second time out and this son of "Mr. Greelwy" is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Start the Party) - He exits the same race as Villandry and stayed withing range until turning for home when he weakened. Home-bred son of "Grand Slam" took some money that day and normal improvement this afternoon can make him a threat.
3rd pick: #3 (Wharton) - Son of "War Front" cost $485,000 and is in a barn (Steve Asmussen) that traditionally is better 2nd time out. Rare Ohio-bred around here is working about average and a small share may be his ceiling.