Top pick: #7 (KOPPER WIRED) (3-1) - Lightly-raced colt has been freshened up since missing by a 'nose' at Laurel July 17 at this level going a mile on the grass. He's working fast since and should love this longer distance. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #11 (King of Spades) (5-1) - He's on the also-eligible list and needs one scratch in the main-body to compete. Well bred 3-year-old ran evenly when debuting at Saratoga Aug 8. He had a 'troubled' break that day and has worked well since. Dangerous if he gets to run.
3rd pick: #5 (Ello Govna) (9-2) - Speedy and lightly raced, he finished a pace-setting 3rd at Laurel going 8.5-furlongs Aug 2. A career best, it was his first since June 12. Working fine and his blinkers come off. Dangerous on the front end.
4th pick: #9 (Domo Artiegato) (7-2) - Four-year-old rallied to finish second when debuting at Delaware Park July 25. He had some traffic issues that day and should love this longer trip.
5th pick: #2 (Hard Thunder) (8-1) - Plodding type is improving and is racing third off a long layoff. Well bred and he may grab a share at a square price.