Top pick: #7 (HOPEFORTHEBEST) - He's a bit on the "cheap" side but enters this in the best shape of his career. One-run sprinter has the best last out of any, a win here against $16,000 claimers on August 6. Continues to train well and is the choice for the win.
2nd pick: #4 (Beatrippi) - Improving quickly at this stage, lightly-raced son of "Trippi" comes here from Delaware in good shape. Stalker has a lot of speed to his left in the gate and he should receive a good trip.
3rd pick: #3 (Awesome Preacher) - Runs off a six-week break and in a claimer for the first time. Son of "Touch Gold" has the talent but has been a bit unreliable. Colt's win came off a seven-week freshening last winter at the Fair Grounds. Contender.