Top pick: #3 (ESENTEPE) (7-2) - Irish import is one of two entered by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and both have solid chances at winning this G1. This speed/stalker comes off a career best when defeating weaker here on May 9th in what was her first in this country racing on a "poly" surface. Filly kept good company overseas before heading here and getas the call in a very tough small field.
2nd pick: #1 (More Chocolate) (2-1) - This filly definetely has quality and has won on both turf and conventioal dirt. Speed/stalker has the rail and is working sharply on this surface in what will be her first ever on a synthetic surface.
3rd pick: #6 (Lady of Fifty) (3-1) - The second of the Hollendorfer pair, she's a synthetic's specialist (8-4-1-2) and won the G2 "Bayakoa" stakes on this surface in early Dec. Latest saw her rally from far back to finish second in the G2 "Marge Everett" and this grey 4-year-old is in the win mix.
4th pick: #5 (Open Water) (4-1) - There's not a lot of visible speed signed on in this G1, and this mare will probably be the early leader. She's never beaten this kind, but should take them part of the way and maybe more.