Top pick: #5 (GRIDIRON GREAT) (4-1) - He finished second here at this distance when facing a bit cheaper on Sept. 18 in his second off a Rudy Rodriguez claim and first in blinkers. Despite moving up in price, this field is a bit easier than he faced last out and son of "Any Given Saturday" looks set for his maiden win.
2nd pick: #4 (Lion Keen) (9-2) - Colt will drop into a claimer and stretch-out in distance after racing evenly when debuting in a turf sprint at Saratoga facing special weights on Aug. 29. Strong second out barn (Chad Brown 29%) has him spotted where he should contend.
3rd pick: #1 (Defiant) (2-1) - The probable favorite, he drops to a new low and cuts back in distance after finishing fourth at Saratoga, going a mile on Aug. 30 racing for a $50K tag. Win candidate, but at a short price.
4th pick: #7 (Copper Beeches) (8-1) - Colt by "Big Brown" hasn't raced since debuting here on July 6th of 2012. He didn't show much that day, but is training nicely and trainer Chris Clement will add both blinkers and lasix.
5th pick: #8 (Brother Brendan) (12-1) - Longshot raced evenly here facing tougher going 8.5 furlongs on Sept. 20 and will be dropping down and shortening up. Can factor at a big price.