Top pick: #3 (PIPPAPPY) (3-1) - Lightly-raced colt has finished second in two of his first three starts. He missed by a 'neck' here at this $20K tag going 7-furlongs July 30. By far a career best, he was claimed that afternoon by Cliff Sise Jr. New barn has worked him twice since, adds blinkers, and stretches him out around two-turns for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Merle) (4-1) - 'Merle' is racing on the dirt and is dropping into a claimer, both for the first time. Away slowly in 2-of-3 on the grass, he broke better in his latest and checked in 6th of 12, beaten 9 1/2 lengths. He was only 3-lengths out of the show spot and should factor today at this reduced class level.
3rd pick: #10 (L's Choice) (9-2) - Lightly-raced gelding ran evenly here for twice this price tag at this distance July 26. Freshened up since, trainer Pete Eurton adds blinkers and drops his claiming price in half. It's noted that Bejarano stays aboard.
4th pick: #2 (Pleasure Point) (12-1) - Long shot is racing third back from a 7-month layoff and raced evenly last out at this tag. Trainer Craig Lewis runs him without blinkers for the first time and this gelding by 'Point Given' had a very sharp half-mile work Aug 28.