Top pick: #1 (ROMAN INVASION and 1a-MAJESTIC NUMBER) (2-1) - He's part of a Dave Jacobson trained entry and he has separate riders listed on each. This veteran ships back from Suffolk where he disappointed as a heavy favorite when finishing fourth there on Sept. 30. Race was his first in 80 days and he may have needed the effort. Fits, and he ran a career best when winning on this surface in his previous race (on July 11th). "Number" is lightly raced, has a fine record on dirt at 7-4-1-1, and runs first off a Jacobson claim (27%).
2nd pick: #2 (Real Estate) (10-1) - Price play moves up a bit after finishing second to today's rival "Chasing Moonlight" on Sept. 11. He moves from the 10-post to the rail, has excellent early speed, and 9-year-old likes this surface (7-3-2-0).
3rd pick: #4 (Chasing Moonlight) (3-1) - He rallied from just off the pace to win here racing for a $14K tag on Sept. 11. Race was his first in two months, a career best, and he's worked well since.
4th pick: #6 (Shankopotamus) (4-1) - Veteran speedball has been freshened up since winning at this tag and trip at Saratoga on Aug. 25. He's done well here in the past at 8-2-2-0, and is more than capable with his best.