Top pick: #2 (HOPE AFFIRMED) - Daughter of "Strong Hope" has finished second in her first pair, the latest from a tough post from which she raced wide the whole race. Sophomore draws the rail and can save all the ground before making a winning move. The top selection.
2nd pick: #5 (Murky) - She's been freshened-up for almost six weeks following a poor local effort where she chased and tired to finish third in a small field (6). Her latest pair of works (both local) indicate that a much better run is coming this afternoon.
3rd pick: #3 (Alivie) - Speedy Delaware shipper set a fast pace there July 15 and held gamely once challenged to finish a close-up second while well clear of the third finisher. Race was her best ever and came off a 7 week break. Looks set for a top try.