Top pick: #2 (LEROY JR.) (7-5) - The probable favorite, he's very lightly raced, and very quick from the gate. He enters off a "nose" defeat at the "Spa" racing at this level going 5.5-furlongs Aug. 2. It was his first race since last Nov., and it's nice to see him putting back-to-back starts together without another of the layoffs that have been his norm. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Latigo Trail) (5-1) - He's shown a new dimension of late when racing just off the lead and making a move turning into the stretch. That tactic led to an easy maiden win sprinting on the Saratoga grass Aug. 15 and produced a career best "figure." Win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Saltine Warrior) (10-1) - Gelding is cutting back in distance after a pair of even efforts at Saratoga at this level going 8.5-furlongs. His best races have come on this course (5-1-2-2), and he's 3-1-1-1 at this distance. A strong presence from off the pace.
4th pick: #3 (Archer Hill) (8-1) - He's put together three solid efforts in a row and two have come here at this distance. Gelding by "Big Brown" broke his maiden here June 18 and ran the six-furlongs on the grass in 1:08.80. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #1 (Greeley Pack) (20-1) - Not a win candidate, but he's improved a bit of late and may rally into a strong pace and snatch a minor award at a huge price.