Top pick: #5 (TAMPA BAY BLUE) (8-5) - The probable favorite, he chased a runaway winner and held to finish third here at this distance racing for a $15K tag one week ago. Grey gelding has been competitive in five straight outings and meets a weak field. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Passion in a Box) (4-1) - Lightly raced gelding by turf champ "Einstein" ships back from Penn National where he finished a non-threatening fourth there Oct. 10. In a top barn (Phil Aristone), this 3yo home bred has room for upside and can factor in this spot.
3rd pick: #2 (Granville's Way) (10-1) - He was three lengths back of "Tampa Bay Blue" a week ago after he had a slow start and tired after rushing up near the pace. Lightly raced, he's improved overall in both outings since his debut, and should be a square price.
4th pick: #8 (Thenewmanintown) (7-2) - Monmouth shipper has been racing evenly his entire career (17-0-1-3), but his best "figures" fit with this group. He may grab a share if ready with his "A" game in his first start since July 26th.