Top pick: #3 (NORTH SLOPE) (10-1) - Darley home bred is back in shape following several layoffs, and this once very promising gelding was a sharp winner here going a mile facing weaker on Sept. 19. 4yo by "Elusive Quality" has a flexible style, is working fast, and has a shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #1 (Slumber) (7-5) - English import is the probable heavy favorite and is listed on the "morning line" at 7-5. No speed type has been away since just missing in the "Pan American" (G2) at Gulfstream March 29th. 6yo has been sharp off layoffs in the past, is working fast on the still open "Spa" training track, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Alakazan Alakazan) (12-1) - Brazilian bred gives away a lot of experience, but has the best early speed of this group, and won for the first time in North America at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 17. He had just missed in his previous start at Saratoga and is in a top barn (Graham Motion). Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #6 (Grand Rapport) (15-1) - Old timer has had a great year (10-5-4-1) facing weaker and moves way up in class in his first off a Ed Kenneally claim. He's gone 8-3-0-3 on the Belmont turf in the past and is 4-1-1-1 at this 10-furlong distance. Don't just dismiss him at a big price.