Top pick: #8 (LIAM'S MAP) (2-1) - The probable favorite, $800K grey colt by "Unbridled's Song" showed good early and held gamely to finish second when debuting on Aug. 23 at Saratoga going 7-furlongs. He's worked well since and trainer Todd Pletcher wins at a 29% rate second time. The extra furlong and his outside post at this flat mile are a plus.
2nd pick: #3 (Flat Jack) (5-2) - Colt has been freshened up since a pair of back-to-back second-place finishes during the summer. He lost both of those by a "neck" and the figures earned were lofty for a maiden. Speed/stalker has run second here in both local starts and he's a win candidate this afternoon.
3rd pick: #7 (Lucid) (5-1) - Darley home bred was six lengths behind "Liam's Map" when he debuted on Aug. 23 at the Spa. Gelding by "Elusive Quality" had a pretty tough trip that day and did well to finish third. He's working nicely since and can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #4 (Point Hope) (6-1) - He finished third here at this level and distance on Sept. 5 in his first off a Linda Rice claim. Gelding earned a career best figure that afternoon but meets a much tougher field in this spot. He needs a pace collapse for anything more than a minor award.