Top pick: #10 (QUICK MONEY) (3-1) - Field is full of veterans, and this 7yo is dropping down in class and stretching back out in distance. Professional stalker draws a nice outside post at this "flat" mile trip, and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #1a (Cousin Michael) (5-1) - He's part of a Dave Jacobson trained entry with #1 "Precious Metal," and he has separate riders listed on each. "Michael" ships back from Monmouth where he finished a sold second there going two-turns at this level Aug. 22. Stalker likes this distance (7-3-1-1) and has run well here at Belmont without winning (5-0-2-2). Major player today.
3rd pick: #5 (Sioux) (7-2) - The field's most lightly raced runner, he was an impressive wire-to-wire allowance winner at Saratoga going 7-furlongs on Aug. 9. By far a career best, it came fresh off a 8 1/2 month layoff. Working fast since, and this colt may have some real talent.
4th pick: #7 (Petrocelli) (10-1) - He was a winner here in a state-bred allowance on July 12, then tired after chasing a quick pace on the "Spa" grass Aug. 16. Gelding likes it on the Belmont dirt (5-2-0-2) and has been working fast at Monmouth since his latest.
5th pick: #2 (Indy Tune) (8-1) - Veteran stretches back out in distance after a sharp win sprinting here for a $20K tag just 10 days ago. Claimed that day, his new barn brings him back quickly, moves him way up in class, and stretches him out in distance. 6yo is three for six here and has gone 11-2-2-3 at this trip in the past.