Top pick: #1 (XCELLENCE) (7-2) - French import kept only the best of company in her native land and has been competitive in both starts since coming to North America. She has a flexible style, draws a great post, and is working sharply for this attempt.
2nd pick: #6 (A Little Bit Sassy) (5-1) - Lightly-raced daughter of "Lemon Drop Kid" has gone 6-3-3-0 since her debut and all have come on the turf. Speed/stalker missed by a "head" last out at Saratoga in a G2 stakes and is a strong win candidate this afternoon.
3rd pick: #5 (Sea Queen) (4-1) - One of two fillies entered by trainer Chris Clement and the pair race uncoupled. Another speed/stalker, she's two for three at this distance on the grass and won a $200K stakes here at it on May 25th. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #8 (Daring Dancer) (3-1) - The morning line favorite, she's won four of her five starts and last out rallied to win the G2 "Lake George" stakes at Saratoga July 23rd. Working well since, strong finisher is an obvious win candidate, but is no lock at what will be a short price.
5th pick: #4 (Walk Close) (15-1) - The second of the Clement fillies, she's very lightly raced but has both talent and some grittiness to her. Daughter of "Tapit" gets a class test in this outing. Interesting longshot.