Top pick: #6 (IRISH CAT) (9-2) - New gelding has been on the sidelines since debuting at Gulfstream Park Feb. 7th. 'Triple Crown' nominee raced evenly that afternoon from a tough outside post and is training well for his return. Home bred by 'Street Cry' is from the Chad Brown barn (a strong 28% second time out). Gets a slight edge in a tough race.
2nd pick: #8 (Fourth of July) (5-1) - Another sired by 'Street Cry,' he's run well in both starts on the grass. Colt missed by a 'head' here at this level going 6-furlongs April 29, then checked in 3rd, beaten just over two lengths traveling 7-furlongs June 14. Trainer George Weaver stretches him out today, and 3yo is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Vigilante) (7-2) - $335,000 son of 'Tiznow' made his belated debut going a mile on the Churchill grass June 7. He rated early, then rallied strongly to finish 2nd of nine, beaten just under a length. Good barn (Wayne Catalano) has worked him three times since, and 3yo must be left in the win mix.
4th pick: #1 (Sky Tower) (6-1) - Godolphin home bred hasn't raced since Sept. 20th when he debuted here at this level and distance. He had some early traffic issues, ran 'greenly' for a 1/2 mile, then made up some ground while very wide. Training very fast for his return, colt runs with Lasix for the first time.
5th pick: #9 (Amigo) (10-1) - Not a strong win candidate, but long time maiden has enough ability to grab a minor award if able to avoid a wide trip from this outside post.