Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (TICONDEROGA) (7-5) - Colt by leading sire 'Tapit' cost $850,000 last September at the Keeneland Yearling Sales. He raced a bit greenly when debuting at Saratoga Aug 13, but put in a strong late run to miss by a 'nose,' Trainer Chad Brown (27% second time out) adds blinkers (23%) and Castellano is back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #9 (Kiss the Toad) (7-2) - Grey colt saved ground along the rail before making a solid bid that fell a bit short Aug 13 at Saratoga. He was 2.5 lengths in back of 'Ticonderoga' that day in what was a big move forward off his dirt debut. Dangerous in this spot.
3rd pick: #1 (Benefactor) (5-1) - Son of turf sire 'More Than Ready' sold for $425K in the same March sale as Ticonderoga.' In the Pletcher barn (20% first out), he ships from Saratoga where he breezed a sharp half-mile from the gate Sept 3.
4th pick: #2 (Ultro) (10-1) - Longshot chased the pace before weakening to check in a distant fourth on the Saratoga grass Aug 6. It was a step forward off his dirt debut and he may grab a share at a big price.