Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (HOFBURG) (7-2) - Improving son of 'Tapit' was an easy winner of Saratoga's Curlin Stakes at this distance July 27. A career best it looked like he was set for a big effort in the $1,250,000 Travers Stakes (G1) there but was injured slightly just prior to the race. Juddmonte home bred has been working very fast for this rich event, draws well, has blinkers on, and Irad Ortiz Jr is in for the ride.
2nd pick: #8 (McKinzie) (5-2) - Talented colt was injured after winning a G2 prep for the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in early March. Sharp in all four starts, he's been training fast in California for his return and is from the barn of Bob Baffert. Speedy sort is a serious threat if ready.
3rd pick: #6 (Axelrod) (10-1) - He was a very impressive 4 length winner of the local Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) which is a prep for this contest. Colt is in career best form and is the only horse entered who has won on this often tricky surface in the past.
4th pick: #7 (Mr Freeze) (8-1) - One of two entered by trainer Dale Romans and the pair race uncoupled. Very lightly raced, he's won three of four and last out-scored by 8 lengths in the G3 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer Park Aug. 4. In the mix.
5th pick: #3 (Instilled Regard) (6-1) - He's been unraced since rallying from far back to finish fourth to 'Justify' in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) May 5. He has a new trainer (Chad Brown) and he has this $1,000,000 son of 'Arch' training both frequently and well above average.