Top pick: #5 (HOT SUMMER) - Filly by "Malibu Moon" overcame some traffic issues to rally late to win the G3 Victory Ride S. at Saratoga going 7 furlongs August 27th. Race was her first in three months and she has a sharp work at Aqueduct before shipping here. She won the G3 Comely earlier this year so her win at the Spa wasn't a "fluke". The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Groupie Doll) - After a poor debut on the grass at Churchill in early June, this daughter of "Bowman's Band" has won three in a row since switching to the dirt, including an easy win at Ellis Park going a mile in the Gardenia S.(G3) August 13. Working bullets since and she looks like a real 'freak" at this point. We'll find out alot more about her this evening. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Strike the Moon) - She 'middle moved" and weakened to run 4th at Monmouth in the G3 Oaks there August 13. In her previous trio she'd finished 2nd in the Ms. Preakness, the Jostle, and a narrow loss in the G2 Delaware Oaks. Trainer Mike Trombetta adds the "hood" and she's working fast for this.
4th pick: #2 (Coax Liberty) - Consistent sort had a tough trip last out at Saratoga in the G1 Test S., but in her previous start had won a small stakes at Belmont Park at this distance in fast time.