Top pick: #7 (BASMATI) (6-1) - Speedy veteran is racing off a claim by Steve Miyadi (17%). Six-year-old does his best work on conventional dirt 16-2-6-1 and all, but his latest have come facing tougher. New barn has worked him four times since the clam and brings him back five weeks later at the purchase price. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Sacred Ovation) (8-1) - Very fast from the gate, he tired here at this level after setting a pressured pace Aug 8. Race was his first since March 21 and he should move forward off of it. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Mistaken Identity) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, he's dropping in class and switching from turf to dirt. Stalker is working very fast for his first since June 12. Accustomed to going longer, he should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into.
4th pick: #1 (Shame on Alex) (6-1) - Speed/stalker is training both fast and frequently for his first since July 3. He has the rail, fits at the level and distance, and can factor from just off the pace while saving ground.