Top pick: #1 (OBVIOUSLY) (7-5) - The "obvious" favorite, speedster has gone 18-10-4-1 overall on the grass and has banked almost all of his $1,337,361 racing on turf. Irish import is eight for 11 at this distance, a perfect three for three on this course, and is seeking to win this stakes for the third year in a row. Working fast, he has the rail, and he'll be tough to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Tom's Tribute) (2-1) - Son of the tough "Lion Heart" has reached triple digit "figures" in four of five starts in 2014, and last out ran a career best when winning the G1 "Eddie Read" here going nine-furlongs July 20. Working well since, he's capable at this trip (7-2-2-1), and is a threat turning for home.
3rd pick: #7 (Lil Bit O'Fun) (6-1) - From the same barn (Phil D'Amato) as "Obviously," he's won three in a row since being claimed, and strong finisher rallied from far back to win a small stakes here at this distance July 23. Veteran has worked fast since, is in career best form, and has a shot if someone can make "Obviously" go fast in the early stages.
4th pick: #6 (Rock Me Baby) (6-1) - Consistent (15-6-4-1) gelding always comes to give his best, and enters this off a win in an "off the turf" for fellow Cal-breds July 27. Capable on the grass (8-3-2-1), and he's gone 2-1-1-0 on this course. The faster the pace, the better his prospects.