Top pick: #2 (FASTER CAT) (3-1) - Speedy gelding has won 7 of 13 starts on conventional dirt and had a fine local record here before the course was revamped during the late spring/early summer. This 6-year-old comes off a sharp win at Ferndale on Aug. 23 and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Country Hero) (4-1) - Another that likes it locally and when last in action Aug. 17 he was a winner here in a very impressive performance. Claimed that day for $2,500, barn moves him up in class for this attempt. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Rosko ) (5-1) - Speed/stalker drops in class and moves from turf to dirt for this assignment. Fits well with these and gelding was in sharp for here last winter/spring. Don't just dismiss.
4th pick: #1 (Midnight Roar) (7-2) - Very lightly-raced gelding has tired badly in his last pair on the Del Mar "poly" when facing much tougher. His only win came on real dirt at Santa Anita and trainer Blake Heap drops him way down in class. Contender, but will be over-bet.