Top pick: #3 (ZNELLE) (2-1) - The probable favorite, gelding comes off a career best when he ran second at this level and distance on the del mar "poly" Aug. 28. It was his first since early Dec and any improvement at all wins this.
2nd pick: #8 (Warren's Sunny Boy) (5-1) - No-speed type is clearly improving and ran a career best figure when he rallied to finish third here at this tag going 5-furlongs on Sept. 7. The added distance today is in his favor and he'll be closing fast.
3rd pick: #9 (Zim N the Mailman) (5-1) - Big drop down is also shortening up in distance and racing on real dirt for the first time. Working nicely at Santa Anita and a win candidate.
4th pick: #2 (Aerial Dancer) (6-1) - He's taking a big drop in class, moving from turf to dirt, and is cutting back in distance. Gelding can factor if the pace is fast and/or contested.
5th pick: #4 (Tribal Flash) (15-1) - Speedy and lightly raced, he's capable of running a sub :45 half-mile and that makes him a bit dangerous.