Top pick: #3 (ROCKY F) - Colt by "Rock Hard Ten" did not race at ages 2 or 3, but his trainer (Jim "007" Bond) is one of the most patient in the business and this 4-year-old showed some talent in his debut at Gulfstream Jan. 15th. He raced far back early and mde up some ground late to finish 5th of 12, beaten just over 5 lengths. Home-bred is working fast at Saratoga and will face fellow New York-breds for the first time. The presence of Dominguez seals the deal.
2nd pick: #1 (Rumbletown) - Excellent effort last out facing "open" $25K claimers saw him set a reasonable pace at this distance and hold on stubbornly when challenged to lose in the last strides. Gelding has worked well since, has the inside post, and "hot" apprentice Ryan Curatolo is back aboard.
3rd pick: #4 (Windafull) - He took some money in his debut here May 11th and ran evenly despite a bit of traffic issues down the stretch. Trainer Dave Duggan normally points towards his maiden's second start and wins at a 30% rate doing that.
4th pick: #8 (This Hard Land) - Colt by "Saarland" was competitive in all three starts last winter at Aqueduct on the inner-surface and is training fast for his first since late Feb., and first on the grass. Can factor if ready.