Top pick: #1 (SURFER NOON) (3-1) - Speed/stalker enters off a sharp 2nd place finish June 28 racing at this distance facing slightly weaker at Santa Anita. Consistent sort runs first off a Raf Becerra claim and can take this if he holds his form.
2nd pick: #2 (Shemp) (6-1) - One of several entered that is lightly raced, colt is dropping in class and racing on the dirt for the first time. He has some early speed and 4yo by 'Curlin' is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Win Quietly) (5-1) - Another that's lightly raced, he ships from Indiana Downs where he finished 2nd for a $25K tag July 1. He drops for his first on the West Coast and first for trainer Mike Puype. Working well and a threat.
4th pick: #7 (Pefiolo) (7-2) - Strong finisher races first off a positive trainer switch to Rich Baltas following a claim. Argentine bred ran 3rd last out, but was almost 4 1/2 back of 'Surfer Moon.' Along with his new trainer, Raf Bejarano is aboard for the first time.