Top pick: #8 (MIKE AND BILL) (6-1) - Gelding showed good early speed before tiring when debuting at this level in late January on Aqueduct's inner surface. On the sidelines since, he's working fast locally, and trainer Chris Englehart has won at a solid 28% second time out over the past 17 months.
2nd pick: #10 (Mighty Zealous) (7-2) - Gelding by "Hard Spin" finished second at Aqu. on March 24 racing at this level and distance. He followed that up by tiring here to check in fourth going a mile on a "sloppy" surface on May 8. Owner/trainer Linda Rice had him work a bullet five-furlongs on June 5, and this 3yo is a strong win candidate. I almost made him the top choice.
3rd pick: #2 (Curious Cal) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he rallied after a slow start to finish a distant second here at this level and distance on May 16. Race was his first since debuting in late January, and trainer Charlie Baker has J.J. Castellano aboard for the first time.
4th pick: #5 (Gran the Man) (5-1) - He's from the same barn (Chris Clement) as yesterday's Belmont Stakes winner "Tonalist," and this grey gelding by "Grand Slam" cost $195K as a yearlong back in 2012. Working fine at Saratoga, and Clement is capable first out (18%).
5th pick: #9 (Warrior's Hero) (8-1) - Debuting gelding by "Majestic Warrior" is in a capable small barn (Mike Wilson), and this 3yo worked a bullet half-mile at Aqu. on May 26. May out-run expected long odds.