Top pick: #1 (STEPPINGOOD) (8-1) - Speedy gelding drops back down in class after a solid effort here facing Cal.-bred special weights July 27th. It was his first start since Dec. 15 and trainer Pat Biancone brings him back quickly and 3-year-old draws the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Arctic Code) (8-1) - Un-raced since late Feb., he's dropping in class, shortening up in distance, and racing on a synthetic surface for the first time. Working fast at Los Alamitos and a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Troy Story) (6-1) - Long time maiden has early speed and is dropping to anew low in price. Trainer Ed Truman also switches him from turf to "poly" and cuts him back in distance. Veteran should be competitive in this spot.
4th pick: #3 (Watch It Buster) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he rallied to finish third at this level and distance July 6th on the Los Alamitos dirt. Lightly-raced, he's working sharply on this surface for his first ever on a "poly' track.
5th pick: #10 (Itsgettinhotinhere) (8-1) - Gelding has raced evenly in two straight on the grass facing tougher. Claimed by Vann Belvoir for $50K on May 30th, he drops him down to the purchase price, shortens him up in distance, and moves him from turf to "poly." Don't just ignore him.