Top pick: #10 (OSTROLENKA) (6-1) - Colt had no chance breaking from an outside post sprinting on a "sloppy" surface when debuting Aug. 31. The inside was the place to be, and this home bred did well while racing wide until the final furlong. He's worked fast since, and trainer Todd Pletcher (29% second time out) stretches him out in distance (22%) and has Johnny Velazquez back aboard. Price play.
2nd pick: #9 (Bellamy Way) (5-1) - $125K son of "Bellamy Road" raced evenly after hitting the gate when debuting at Saratoga on Aug. 10. He took some betting action that day, and trainer Dave Cannizzo stretches him out in distance and reaches out to J.J.Castellano for this attempt.
3rd pick: #3 (Persuasive Devil) (2-1) - Speedy colt is the probable favorite and has gone 3-0-1-2 so far. He's had the misfortune to catch "wet" surfaces in that trio and may be much sharper on a fast track. Obvious win threat.
4th pick: #6 (Unauthorized) (5-1) - He debuted here on July 3 and rallied mildly to finish fourth, only 1 1/2 lengths back of "Persuasive Devil." Working steadily, and a bullet 5-furlong breeze at Aqueduct just one week ago suggests his readiness.
5th pick: #5 (Alexa's Spirit) (12-1) - Home bred raced evenly after a slow getaway when debuting in a stakes at Finger Lakes Sept. 6. He's since come back with a big bullet drill at his home base of Keeneland and may run much better with that one start under his belt.