Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (BREAKING THE RULES) (4-1) - Phipp's home bred hasn't raced since Oct. 6 when he was a sharp winner over older foes going 9 furlongs at Belmont Park. Only his second ever on the grass, this colt by 'War Front' has been in steady training at Payson Park and strong finisher can beat this field of 3yos with a trouble-free trip.
2nd pick: #11 (Therapist) (7-2) - He's won four stakes overall, two facing fellow New York breds and a pair facing 'open' company. Idle since an even effort in a G3 Sept. 1 at Saratoga, the colt won a $125K stakes here March 31 after finishing third on this course in a G3 March 3. He's breezed four times this month at Payson Park and is a strong win candidate if ready.
3rd pick: #5 (Lookin to Strike) (8-1) - One of two entered by trainer Mark Casse and the pair race uncoupled. This colt has sharp early speed and has won of his last five including the G3 Ontario Derby Oct. 13 at Woodbine. He has a versatile style and a recency edge on both 'Breaking the Rules' and 'Therapist'.
4th pick: #8 (Ambassador Jim) (20-1) - Huge longshot moves in with stakes company off a pair of good efforts on the grass facing weaker. The figures earned fit if repeatable and he may get a share at a very big price.
5th pick: #13 (Sand Dancer) (10-1) - He had a tough outside post last out and had a wide trip when beaten just over 3 lengths in a $75K turf stakes at Gulfstream Park West Nov. 3. He missed by a length in a G2 at Belmont Oct 6 and is another with a versatile style. Working fast, he can factor if able to avoid another wide trip.