Top pick: #5 (GRAN THE MAN) (5-2) - Grey gelding received some betting action in his debut and held gamely to finish second after chasing the pace while wide. He's worked since and gets a slight edge in a field that includes six "first-time-starters."
2nd pick: #10 (Invasion Point) (4-1) - Colt by Breeder's Cup Classic winner "Invasor" has some sharp works leading up to his debut. In a capable first out barn (Mike Maker 22%), and it's noted that J.J.Castellano is aboard.
3rd pick: #3 (Tax Alex) (5-1) - The field's lone 4yo, he has fine early speed and is working well for his first start since late April. Home-bred has been competitive in his last pair and should be involved from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #6 (Cuantos) (8-1) - Colt by "Read the Footnotes" ships up from Monmouth where he has a pair of quick back-to-back breezes. $27K yearling purchase may do some damage at a big price.
5th pick: #2 (Ten Large) (15-1) - Gelding by "Afleet Alex" had a bullet half-mile gate breeze here on June 18 that suggests speed is present. However, the barn has been "ice cold' this year and isn't known for debut success even when gong well.