Top pick: #3 (CHINA PRINCE) (7-2) - Gelding races first off a Doug O'Neill claim (18%). He drops his value in half and switches him from turf to dirt. 5yo hasn't won in four previous races on conventional dirt, but was stakes placed early in 2014 at Santa Anita. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Roman Tizzy) (5-1) - Veteran enters off a sharp win here racing for a $20K tag Aug. 22nd. It was his best overall since late October, and it was his first off a Vlad Cerin claim. Stalker has the rail and is a win candidate right back.
3rd pick: #4 (Tulira Castle) (9-2) - Once classier type makes his West Coast debut after finishing 2nd on the Indiana Downs turf at this tag July 24. Claimed that day by Ron Ellis, 5yo by 'War Pass' has a sharp six furlong local drill Aug. 28th and was a stakes winner on the Tampa Bay dirt in late March of 2014. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Celebrity Status) (6-1) - A barn-mate of 'Tulira Castle,' and the pair race uncoupled. Speedy sort stretches out in distance in his first off a Ron Ellis claim. Competitive against tougher in the past, and his early speed must be respected.