Top pick: #3 (ICE WAGON) (5-2) - He enters in career best form since being claimed in late April by trainer Mike Vera. Gelding was an easy winner here racing for a $10K tag June 20 as he cleared the 3l condition. Last out he checked in second to a 'much the best' winner June 30 racing for twice this tag in his first at this 4l condition. One-run type is brought back quickly, halves in value, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Horatio) (3-1) - Veteran has been sharp in both starts here after relocating from Belmont Park. Strong finisher won going away here at this tag June 22 racing at this price tag as he cleared the 3l level. Win candidate again today.
3rd pick: #2 (Jr's Chili Pepper) (8-1) - He's the main speed and is breaking just off the inside. Gelding finished a pace-setting second last out at Delaware Park facing weaker. It was his second back off a pair of layoffs and he's run well here in the past 6-1-2-0. His early speed makes him dangerous.
4th pick: #5 (Polished Degree) (9-2) - Four-year-old has been competitive in three straight, but has been beaten by both 'Ice Wagon' and 'Horatio' without any visible excuse. Believe a small slice is his ceiling.
5th pick: #10 (Beau Who) (12-1) - One-run type is dropping in class after a poor effort for twice this price June 30. Beaten by both 'Ice Wagon' and 'Polished Degree' that afternoon and will need to step it up for anything more than a minor award.