Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (PINK SANDS) (7-2) - Daughter of top sire 'Tapit' sold for $625,000 as a Saratoga Select Sales Yearling back in August of 2016. In a patient barn (Shug McGaughey), filly finished an even 4th when debuting at this level going seven furlongs on a sloppy trak Sept. 3 at Saratoga. She was never put to any pressure in a race that had the looks of an educational experience. She's worked fast since, has lasix added, stretches out to a mile, has a nice outside post, and Castellano is back on the re-ride. Lots of things to like.
2nd pick: #7 (Mockery) (4-1) - Godolphin owned/bred filly exits the same Sept. 3 race at Saratoga as 'Pink Sands.' She set a moderate pace and held to finish 2nd, 2.5 lengths in front of that rival. Competitive in both starts, she should be so again today at this longer trip.
3rd pick: #6 (Lady by Choice) (6-1) - From the first crop of the speedy 'Shanghai Bobby' she finished a very distant 2nd when debuting on a wet surface going seven furlongs at Saratoga Sept. 4. She's worked twice since for trainer Chad Brown (28% second time out), and Jose Ortiz stays aboard. In the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Navajo) (3-1) - Daughter of 'Union Rags' rallied to finish 2nd beaten just under a length when debuting at this level going six furlongs Aug. 27 at Saratoga. She's worked three times since and has John Velazquez replacing Joel Rosario who opted to ride #7 'Mockery.'