Top pick: #4 (WILD NICOLE) (3-1) - Mare has been at this 2l condition seemingly forever, but has 22 minor awards to go along with her one win. She's been competitive in three straight and meets a very weak field this afternoon.
2nd pick: #1 (Entry of 1-C J's Cheezit & 1a-Mystical Rain) (5-2) - Entry from the successful barn of Patty Farro, and the two mares have the same apprentice rider listed on both, so only one will go. Each has early speed, and in this poor group that makes either one dangerous.
3rd pick: #5 (Kick Save) (4-1) - Another with some early speed, she enters off a good try here at this level and distance on Aug. 8. It was her best since returning from a half-year's absence May 15, and trainer Pam Shavelson replaces apprentice Auwarter with veteran Joe Hampshire, Jr.
4th pick: #6 (Lucy's Finale) (5-1) - Grey mare has absolutely no early speed, but has put in strong late rallies in her last pair. In a race where the speed is a bit suspect, she's a stretch threat.