Top pick: #9 (FLEA FLICKER) - Nice debut at Saratoga as this $120K filly by "Hook and Ladder" set/pressed the pace on a very sloppy track and held gamely to run second to a "much the best' winner. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is always better second time out, currently winning at an excellent 35% rate, and when riding Dominguez the percentage is 40%. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Undaunted Ella) - First time starter is working very fast for her debut including a bullet half-mile gate drill at Saratoga on August 18th (best of 107 at that trip that morning). Trainer Bruce Levine normally points towards his maiden's second start, but can have one ready on occasion. This may be one of them.
3rd pick: #7 (Rodinia) - Home-bred by "Bluegrass Cat" is working steadily for the Clement barn and has a near bullet from the gate here on August 12th. Filly can factor with a clean break at a nice price.