Top pick: #7 (SHORT STORY LONG) (5-2) - Gelding races first off a claim by the leading trainer at this meet (Tom Amoss). New barn (a strong 35% first off the claim) has freshened her up since June 14th, and brings her back under the purchase price. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #9 (Early Success) (7-2) - Very fast from the gate, she runs off a seven week freshening and trainer Larry Jones drops her down from $30,000 to run for $8K. Working on the quick side, and the likely winner if the top pick fails. I was very close to making her the first choice.
3rd pick: #2 (Overt) (6-1) - Gelding ships back from Mountaineer where he was soundly beaten as a heavy favorite going two-turns on a very "muddy" surface on July 22nd. He takes a big drop, shortens up in distance, and draws the rail. Can factor, buts needs to turn it around today.
4th pick: #1a (Turf Ruler) (5-1) - Part of an entry with #1 "Sin N Grin," he tends to race evenly, and a small slice would appear to be his ceiling today.