Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (MUCH MORE HALO) (4-1) - Consistent colt from the Baffert barn shortens back up after missing by a length going a mile at this level and distance June 19 at Santa Anita. One run type had finished 2nd in his previous pair sprinting, and I give this $390,000 purchase a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Mystery Man) (3-1) - He tired late to finish 4th when debuting in a 6.5-furlong dirt sprint June 6 at Santa Anita. The race was won by the promising 'Cezanne,' and both he and the 3rd place finisher won their next starts. He's worked five times since June 19 and is a win candidate today with Mike Smith staying aboard.
3rd pick: #4 (Absolute Unit) (7-2) - He's finished 2nd in all three grass attempts with a pair of those coming in sprints. Stalker missed by a 'nose' at Santa Anita June 14 and is an obvious contender in this spot.
4th pick: #6 (Highly Distorted) (12-1) - Longshot raced rather 'keyed up' when missing by just over five lengths sprinting on the Santa Anita grass May 23. It was his first start in a year, and he was four lengths behind 'Much More Halo' that afternoon. He runs today as a NEW gelding and is capable of factoring at a big price.
5th pick: #2 (Fiftyfive Chevy) (15-1) - One of two making their debuts, he has some fast works on view for a capable first out trainer, Luis Mendez (19%). Bred to like the grass, he draws the shortest route home and is dangerous with an alert beginning.