Top pick: #10 (DEKALB COUNTY) (5-2) - Home bred by 'Malibu Moon' has won two-in-a-row here going 6.5-furlongs. Very lightly raced, he tackles a much tougher group in this attempt. In shape, working well, and from the Pletcher barn. This outing will tell us if he's got real ability.
2nd pick: #9 (Indian Brut) (8-1) - He had a good spot but did not 'fire' here last out. That broke a string of five straight solid efforts to begin his career. Speed/stalker was racing off an 80-day break that afternoon and has been working fast for this appearance. Has a shot at a big price.
3rd pick: #3 (Day of Fury) (7-2) - Speedy sort is shortening up in distance for this attempt. He was a gate-to-wire winner going 8.5-furlongs in his local debut May 23, then tired late to check in 3rd at the same trip facing tougher June 28. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Joking) (5-1) - Veteran tries his best every time out. 6yo has gone 18-3-6-4 over the past 19 1/2 months and has done some of best running locally (4-1-3-0). Stretch threat.
5th pick: #8 (Sioux) (8-1) - Lightly raced colt has plenty of speed, and when in the mood he can be a tough customer. On the sidelines since Nov. 15th, he's been sold since, and has a new trainer (Michelle Nevin, 26% with new arrivals). Dangerous if he returns in his best form.