Top pick: #14 (PISTOLS AT DAWN) - Races first off a claim by Dave Jacobson (20%) and he'll drop this colt well under the purchase price which is a normal move by the barn. Known in the game as "playing poker" he has the horse entered where he can win and would break even on him if someone else claims him today. The catch is if he wins and is claimed, he has to move up the ladder next out to face tougher 3l competition and that may be a difficult thing to accomplish. Has back class, speed/stalking ability and colt by "Grand Slam" is the top pick.
2nd pick: #16 (Papa's Nice Cat) - Another speed/stalker and this New York-bred will drop into an "open" claimer after chasing and tiring last out at saratoga facing state-bred allowance foes. That effort was his first in 8 1/2 months and trainer Chris Englehart wins at a 25% clip second off of long absences.
3rd pick: #3 (Skinny Peter) - Races first off a trainer switch to John Parisella (18%) and this son of "More Than Ready's" best race came earlier this year on the main-track at Louisiana Downs when he broke his maiden in early May. Both blinkers and Dominguez are added today and this 3-year-old looks well meant.
4th pick: #10 (Controversial) - Has positive wet track experience, speed/stalking ability, and lightly race home-bred by "Exchange Rate" lost by a neck at this price on the main-track at Saratoga August 15.
5th pick: #9 (Quiet Power) - Another New York-bred he's improving and has been freshened-up since July 23 at Saratoga when he finished second at this 2l condition facing slightly weaker.