Top pick: #1 (COUGH DROP) - Gelding has raced evenly in his last pair at the state-bred maiden special level. They were his first two starts since coming back from an 11-month layoff. Drops into an "open" $25,000 claimer and can win this with a slight move forward.
2nd pick: #6 (Brad's My Hero) - Stretch runner closed from far back last out to reach a short lead only to be out-finished late. He's improved noticeably since moving to the turf and is a threat in the late stages.
3rd pick: #5 (Royal Lord) - Stretches-back out off a fast closing third-place finish on July 9 going six furlongs. Gelding by "Mr. Greeley" has raced well in both starts at this tag and is a threat for the win.