Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (MAXWELL ESQUIRE) (2-1) - A home bred colt by 'Discreet Cat,' he had a fine debut Aug. 16 at Saratoga. Racing at this level going 8.5 furlongs, he saved ground from an inside post, then rallied while 4-5 wide to check in 2nd of 10, beaten 1.5 lengths by a more experienced runner. He gets top billing here.
2nd pick: #2 (Brilliant Brooks) (5-1) - A $250,000 son of 'Candy Ride,' colt is one of two entered by Jeremiah Englehart, and the pair race uncoupled. He tired to finish a distant 3rd when debuting at this level in a dirt sprint at Saratoga Aug. 8. Barn switches him to the grass, stretches him out in distance, and it's noted that John Velazquez is aboard. I think he's a contender at a square price.
3rd pick: #9 (Portfolio Hedge) (3-1) - He's one of three making their debuts and is from the barn of Chad Brown, 21% (51 of 247) first out in 2018-19. Colt has been in steady training for some time now and has breezed five times since Aug. 2. It's noted that Javier Castellano is aboard.
4th pick: #7 (Turbo Drive) (7-2) - The field's most experienced maiden, he has early speed and was only a length behind 'Maxwell Esquire' in his first start on the grass Aug. 16 at Saratoga. It was his best to date and came when trainer Mike Maker added blinkers. Colt by the versatile 'Teuflesburg' must be left in the mix.