Top pick: #5 (WAR MELODY) (5-1) - Well bred colt had a "troubled" trip when debuting at Saratoga on Aug. 18. $125K son of "War Front" followed that up with a solid effort at Belmont park Sept. 13 and met tougher horses in both of those contests. I like his chances today.
2nd pick: #1 (Directory) (7-2) - Consistent sort ships in from Delaware Park where he finished fourth there at this level going 1 1/2 miles on the turf Sept. 13. In shape, and this home bred has run second in two of his last three starts at this distance.
3rd pick: #3 (Paddington Express) (4-1) - Lightly raced colt by grass champ "English Channel" drops after rallying to finish fourth here facing special weights Sept. 13. It was his first since debuting at Monmouth in late July, and he's making back-to-back starts for the first time.
4th pick: #4 (M C Squared) (6-1) - Stretch out dirt sprinter is dropping in class, is trying the grass, and a two-turn trip for the first time. Blinkers go on, and gelding will take them as far as he can.