Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (DEFIANTLY) (7-2) - Unraced since a 3rd place finish at Belmont July 6, he comes to the West Coast and runs first time for Shelbe Ruis. Colt has early speed and has been sharp in all three turf starts. $280K purchase meets a weak field and can break his maiden in this spot.
2nd pick: #4 (Hollywood Strike) (15-1) - Longshot is making his grass debut this afternoon. Bred for the surface, he's raced sneakily well in both starts. Home bred by 'Smart Strike' is a threat at a big price.
3rd pick: #1 (Uncork the York) (5-1) - Irish import ships from Indiana Downs where he rallied to miss by a 'neck' racing at this level going 7.5 furlongs July 21. Only his second start, it was his first in 10 months. Dangerous colt is from the barn of leading trainer Phil D'Amato.
4th pick: #8 (Dark Energy) (9-2) - Even paced colt rallied a bit to finish 4th here at his level Aug. 14th. It was his first race in 70 days, a positive one, and he can factor with a slight move forward.
5th pick: #2 (Pappou) (5-1) - No speed gelding fits with his best, but he'll need some pace help for anything more than a minor award.