Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (FUNNY GUY) (7-2) - He's one of five in this stakes that are racing on the grass for the first time. He's gone 3-1-2-0 on the dirt since coming off a two-month break March 16, and last out he finished 2nd here at this distance to the heavy favorite in this contest, #4 'Blindwillie McTell.' Bred to handle the surface switch, I give him a slight edge today.
2nd pick: #4 (Blindwillie McTell) (8-5) - 'Willie' has gone 5-3-2-0 sprinting on the dirt, with all three of his victories coming in stakes for fellow New York-breds. The latest came here at this distance May 27 in the $125K Mike Lee Stakes, a contest where he was two lengths in front of 'Funny Guy.' He's breezed twice on the turf this month and will be tough at a short price if he likes the grass.
3rd pick: #5 (Thorny Tale) (5-1) - He's another with good dirt form that is trying the grass for the first time. One run type trained on the grass June 14 at Saratoga and can factor at a square price.
4th pick: #8 (Bettor Bank On It) (15-1) - This longshot moves up in class after a sharp win here going six furlongs on the grass facing 'open' $40K claimers at the 2l condition June 12. That was a career best, and he's back on a quick turnaround for his first stakes attempt.