Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (CANDY CORNELL) (6-1) - He finished a pace-pressing 2nd at this level and distance July 10 at Keeneland in his first race in three months. His stalking style and outside post are a plus in a contest where the pace should be fast and/or contested. I give him a slight edge in a race where you should box whatever exotic bets you make.
2nd pick: #8 (Straight Shot) (4-1) - Lightly raced and improving, he was a two-length winner at this distance facing allowance foes on a sloppy track Aug. 2 at Ellis Park. The win came in his first starts since Sept. 14 of last year, and he's in the mix today.
3rd pick: #2 (Explorer) (2-1) - This well-bred 5yo returns from a 14.5-month layoff a NEW gelding. Very fast from the gate, he's gone 5-2-3-0 so far, is working extremely fast, has the rail, and could win this if ready.
4th pick: #7 (Smart Time) (15-1) - A very lightly raced 4yo by 'Bernardini,' he tired while wide July 26 at Ellis Park in his first start in 14 months. He had gone 3-2-1-0 prior to that, is working fast, and may impact at a very big price.