Top pick: #4 (COTTON VALLEY) (4-1) - Lightly raced gelding come off a pair of even efforts on the Del Mar "poly," and 3yo by "High Cotton" was competitive earlier this year on the Santa Anita dirt facing tougher. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Troy Story) (5-2) - Long time maiden has many good efforts in the past facing better on both turf & "poly." Trainer Eddie Truman drops him to a new low in class and has him racing on real dirt. Speed/stalker has the rail and is strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Stauffenberg) (8-1) - No speed type has gone 4-0-1-1 on conventional dirt in the past and has been in with tougher most of his career. The faster the pace, the better his chances.
4th pick: #6 (Concert Man) (6-1) - 6yo enters off a career best when he rallied to check in third at this level and distance at Del Mar Aug. 17. It was his second back off a year's layoff and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #5 (Higher Mandate) (8-1) - On the shelf since May 10, 4yo rallied to finish a close up fourth that day going 6-furlongs on the Santa Anita dirt at this tag. May grab a share if ready.