Top pick: #6 (SMIRK) - Gelded son of "Distorted Humor" was a very expensive yearling ($240,000) and has had his share of physical woes along the way. Claimed on opening day of this year's Saratoga meet, he was sent in for three months of rest by his new trainer (Tony Dutrow). He finished second in his return run at this tag, then raced evenly last out in a starter-allowance. Goes third off the rest and drops back into a $25K claimer. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Light Sentence) - This lightly-raced son of "Vindication" is also trained by Tony Dutrow, but the rivals will compete as separate betting interests. Blinkers will go on today and colt has some speed to utilize.
3rd pick: #8 (Grand Assasin) - Tired in a 3X allowance in the Charles Town slop last out after chasing the pace while very wide. He's raced with success at this $25K tag in the past and is now in a dangerous barn (Tim Hooper).