Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (DAVID R) (12-1) - Longshot is stretching out in distance for this attempt. He's raced evenly in his last pair at Del Mar after arriving from Texas and he had good form early in the year at Sam Houston Downs going around two-turns. Has a shot at a big price.
2nd pick: #6 (Papa Royale) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he broke his maiden here at this distance July 8. Competitive in two of three since then facing winners, I could have easily made him the top choice.
3rd pick: #8 (Broadway Nika) (7-2) - Veteran finished second at this tag and trip Aug. 5 at Del Mar but tired badly in his follow up there Aug. 24. Old timer has a dozen lifetime wins while the rest of the field has a total of 17 combined. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #9 (Antinanco) (4-1) - Even-paced veteran was only a 1/2 length behind 'Papa Royale' here Sept. 7. However, he draws a tough outside post and will need to try and avoid a wide trip for anything more than a minor award.