Top pick: #5 (VOLKONSKY) (3-1) - Lightly raced gelding is 3-0-2-1 on the grass, and finished a pace-setting third here at this level and distance July 31. 4yo took a "bad" step turning for home in that contest and held gamely after that incident. This field is weaker, and he looks set for his maiden win.
2nd pick: #1 (Mr Lemon Tree) (5-1) - Dangerous rival, he stretches out in distance, goes "poly" to turf, runs second back off an 11 month layoff, draws the rail, and has Bejarano aboard for the first time. He's bred to like the grass and the distance, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Empty Headed) (7-2) - Strong finisher is working very fast for his first since Feb. 21st when he rallied from far back to finish second at Santa Anita. Major stretch threat if ready with his best.
4th pick: #7 (All Star Bell) (20-1) - Longshot comes off a career best when he finished three back of "Volkonsky" here on July 31. Career best came second off an 11 month layoff and was his first on the grass, and first around two-turns. It's apprentice Perez off and "P.Val" on.
5th pick: #2 (Rob's Pal) (5-1) - He moves back to the grass and stretches out in distance in his second back from a half-year's absence. He's had excuses in several of his starts, and last out was away slowly. Can factor with a clean break.