Top pick: #2 (SMART JOURNEY) (3-1) - Speedy and lightly-raced, grey 5-year-old set a pressured pace and tired in the last furlong to check in fourth here at this level July 18th. He's been given a month to recover, has worked twice, gets blinkers on, and Bejarano stays put.
2nd pick: #7 (Lindante) (4-1) - He raced evenly while wide here at this level and distance Aug. 6. It was his first since June 20th and it's noted that this home-bred took some betting action in his first pair at Santa Anita. Can factor at a square price.
3rd pick: #5 (Droppin Buttons) (9-2) - Gelding had a useful debut here when sprinting on the "poly" July 27th. He was bet that afternoon and trainer John Sadler has worked him fast twice since. switches him to the turf, and stretches him out in distance.
4th pick: #8 (Lucky J Lane) (7-2) - Trainer Rick Baltas is having a career year and this gelding rallied to just miss here at this level July 18th. It was his first since late Nov., first on the grass, and first around two-turns. Must be left in the mix.