(# 2) MIDNIGHT LUTE - This lightly race colt by "Real Quiet" was awesome in winning the Forego (G1) at Saratoga and he accomplished it from just off the pace in racehorse time against top runners. Has proven that he can fire fresh off the bench, and in point of fact, he appears to prefer that route. Top-notch competitor at just about any distance, and he has been working just spectacularly for his return from a seven-week layoff. If it was seven furlongs I would say you could put it in the bank, but at six he must have a good break and avoid traffic trouble. If thats the case, youll see him in the winners circle.

(#7) Idiot Proof - Lightly raced three-year-old comes into this fresh and fast, just the way you would want it for a big event like this. His best race ever came over this surface on July 4 at this distance. Facts that are too good to ignore. Beat a field of fine older runners in last at Santa Anita, and he did it off a two-month layoff and on a track surface that was foreign to him. Continues his good AM work, and will be tough to beat.

(#4) Talent Search - Nice effort off a seven-week layoff when he finished second in the Vosburgh (G1) at Belmont to "Fabulous Strike," who would have been one of the choices in here, but was withdrawn due to an injury. Underrated trainer in Mark Shuman who knows how to get them ready. Colt is doing well in the mornings, and is one-for-one over this track.

(#1) Smokey Stover - Handy win on September 1 at this track and distance. The speed on the rail, and I would expect him to break sharply and stay on the "wood and take them as far as he can. Has proven his ability at many different venues - the sign of a good horse. Training extremely fast at his home base of Bay Meadows, hell make it impossible for someone else to steal" this.

(#10) Gregs Gold - Best asset is his ability to stay close and offer some late finishing kick. Smokey and Idiot have handled him this season, but that doesnt mean that he wont show up somewhere in the super and/or tri. Training better than any of these for this.