Top pick: #8 (SALSA DOG) (8-1) - Longshot ships from Gulfstream where he raced evenly in both starts, one each on turf and dirt. Colt had tough posts in each and he faces a largely untested group in today's finale. Has a shot at a big price.
2nd pick: #5 (Boone Station) (3-1) - Darley home bred middle-moved while wide before tiring when debuting on the Keeneland dirt at this level and distance April 8th. Well backed that afternoon, an excellent second-out barn (Kiaran McLaughlin 22%) brings him back quickly and switches him to the turf.
3rd pick: #3 (Fantasy Pain) (5-1) - Debuting son of 'Midnight Lute" cost $115K and was in steady training at Palm Meadows before shipping north. Barn (Chad Brown) wins at a 22% clip first out and this grey colt looks well prepared.
4th pick: #1 (Royal Asset) (5-1) - Barn (Wesley Ward) wins at a 22% clip first out. This colt is bred for the grass ('Langfuhr') and breaks from the rail. Can factor with an alert beginning.
5th pick: #4 (St. Louie) (8-1) - Trainer Alan Goldberg had a great meet at Gulfstream and most of his success came in turf sprints. This Santulli home bred raced evenly when debuting here in late Sept. at this level and distance. Can factor if ready.