Top pick: #8 (SMOKIN PRINCE) - Heavily bet in his debut at Hoosier Park Aug. 24, this home-bred stalked early, bid when asked, and drew off to a very impressive 9 1/2 length win. Trainer Joe Woodard ships him here for his first against winners and the veteran conditioner has an outstanding record (90-32-17-14) here this season. Draws a nice post, meets a weak field, and leading rider DeShawn Parker is aboard. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Noequal) - Consistent grey gelding has run well in three straight tries at this level and last out finished 2nd, beaten less then a length 11 days ago. He's improved since lasix was added two starts back and this speed/stalker should be in this from start to finish from his rail post.
3rd pick: #7 (Provost) - Broke his maiden here in the mud July 22 at this 6-furlong distance, then tired last out going a mile in his first facing winners. Has a bullet work at Keeneland since then and can factor tonight at a square price.