Top pick: #10 (COUSIN MICHAEL) (7-2) - He's been freshened up since a narrow loss at Monmouth Aug. 22. One-run type has a fine outside post at this 8.5-furlong distance and has done good work without winning on "off" going in the past 4-0-2-2. He gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Gridley Here) (4-1) - Lightly-raced colt comes off a career best when he rallied to easily win here at this trip in an entry-level allowance for fellow state-breds Sept. 28. Son of "Repent" is very dangerous if he handles the off track.
3rd pick: #3 (Saturday Appeal) (6-1) - Veteran has been in great form ever since trainer Rich Schosberg removed this gelding's blinkers in late May. Five-year-old has gone 5-1-3-0 since that time and comes off a second-place finish to the promising "Sioux" here Sept. 28. Two of his wins are on wet surfaces and he must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Bluegrass Flash) (5-1) - Grey gelding stretches out a bit after rallying to win here going 7-furlongs on Sept. 10. Promising 3-year-old is having a solid year 6-2-1-2 and he likes it at Belmont 4-2-2-0.
5th pick: #1 (Goodtolook) (10-1) - Speedy gelding has been freshened up since Aug. 10 when he tired at this level going 9-furlongs at Saratoga. Working nicely, his rail most dictates that he'll be sent hard early. Up-grade his chances a bit if speed is doing well this afternoon.