Top pick: #8 (WIRED BRYAN) (7-5) - The field's most acomplished runner, home-bred is 5-3-1-0 overall and is a perfect 2-for-2 when facing fellow state-breds. In shape, draws well, has a flexible style, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Empire Dreams) (10-1) - Lightly-raced and improving, he broke his maiden here on Sept. 29 in his first since Aug. 9 and has lasix added for this attempt. Price play.
3rd pick: #4 (So Lonesome) (8-1) - Dangerous foe has a good late kick and last out rallied to finish second here to today's rival "Carolinian" going 6 furlongs on Sept. 26. The extra furlong he travels this afternoon is in his favor.
4th pick: #1 (Carolinian) (12-1) - Improving sort is 5-2-2-0 overall, and is 3-1-1-0 on this surface. Speedy sort has the rail, is working fast, and comes off a career best. However, "Brian" handled him with ease the only time they met.