Top pick: #2 (THREE ALARM FIRE) (6-5) - Lightly-raced, promising, and still improving, gelding was an impressive maiden winner at Saratoga going 7-furlongs on Aug. 23. He was off awkwardly but rallied strongly to win going away. The effort was enhanced when the second-place finisher "Liam's Map" won here easily last week. Working nicely for this and trainer Tom Albertrani has him well spotted.
2nd pick: #1 (Encryption) (3-1) - He just missed here going a mile in an entry-level allowance on Sept. 11. It was his first since July 27th and this lightly raced son of "Exchange Rate" has been competitive 6-1-2-2 in all but one start (this year's "Haskell Invitational G1). Speed/stalker should be involved every step and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (The Brothers Rap) (8-1) - Longshot moves up in class and in with open company after a very sharp win at Saratoga going 1 1/18th miles on Aug. 28. By far a career best and this gelding turned it all around when trainer Charlie Baker added blinkers three starts back.