Top pick: #8 (DALEK) (7-2) - Cal.-bred finished second here at this tag on July 15th in his first since coming from Hollywood Park, first on conventional dirt, and first for trainer Lou Linder Jr. Grey gelding raced evenly last out facing a bit tougher, drops back down and stretches-out a 1/16th.
2nd pick: #2 (Retired) (5-2) - He made a strong middle-move in his local debut on Aug. 20 and tired in the last furlong to run third. Race was his first in just over two months and he's brought back quickly and cuts back in distance. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Anhourofhonor) (4-1) - Lightly-raced 3-year-old was reclaimed last out by trainer Kate DeMasi after losing him for two races. He has early speed and has been competitive in all four starts.
4th pick: #5 (Warren's Bugler) (10-1) - He ran poorly here last out and that broke up a string of five straight competitive efforts. Trainer Dve Dotolo replaces apprentice Sullivan with journeyman Montanez and this 4-year-old should be back in the thick of it today.
5th pick: #11 (Soldier's Soup) (30-1) - Longshot is from a good barn, draws a nice outside post, and could grab a minor award at a very big price.