Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (PLEASANT MOON) (3-1) - A lightly raced 4yo by 'Malibu Moon,' he's from the barn of leading trainer Joel Berndt. Competitive here in two of three when facing much tougher, he'staking a big drop in class and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Cool Edge) (5-1) - He was an easy maiden winner in his local debut for a $5,000 tag on June 11. This Canadian-bred has tired in his follow up pair facing winners, and the speed/stalker should be in this from gate-to-wire.
3rd pick: #5 (Row the Boat) (8-1) - State-bred moves in with 'open' company after a one-length win going six furlongs while facing $7,500 Minnesota-bred claimers July 30. His connections move him in with 'open' company, and he broke his maiden facing non-state-bred claimers May 1 at Tampa Bay Downs. In the mix.
4th pick: #8 (Starring John Wain) (7-2) - Since coming here at the end of the Oaklawn meet, he's been competitive in all four attempts, each at this level at a variety of distances. In the mix.
5th pick: #9 (Marshall Hill) (6-1) - He has absolutely no early speed, but he has rallied from far back to be competitive here at this level in two straight. A fast and/or contested pace makes him a late threat.