Top pick: #3 (DUVAL) (5-2) - Very speedy Philly Park shipper has gone 7-2-2-3 this year after returning from a 7 1/2 month layoff in late March. Colt was a winner last out in fast time and earned a career best figure while doing so. In a winning barn (Steve Asmussen) and he has J.J. Castellano aboard for this 3-year-old's Belmont debut.
2nd pick: #5 (Dyker Beach) (9-2) - Hard hitter is cutting back a bit in distance after racing evenly while finishing fourth here at this level going 7-furlongs on a sloppy surface two weeks ago. One-run type had checked in second in five of eighty starts on "off" going and is a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #6 (Run for Logistics) (5-1) - Longshot has some early speed and comes off a troubled start here in the mud Sept. 25. He was bumped at the start and had traffic issues during the running while beaten five lengths. Stakes placed in 2013, think he's a threat with his best at a big price.
4th pick: #8 (Monster Mash) (6-1) - He ships in from Presque Isle Downs where he rallied to finish second at this level when racing on the synthetic surface there. It was his first start in 4 1/2 months and this lightly-raced 5-year-old by "Ghostzapper" has won on the NYRA circuit in the past.
5th pick: #7 (Jeter) (12-1) - Gelding is winless this year 8-0-2-2, but has a sharp recent work as he runs first off a claim by veteran Ed Barker. Fits with his best, but unless he steps it up a small slice is his ceiling.