Top pick: #7 (RACE FOR JAKE) - Lightly-raced gelding by "Grand Slam" tired here facing a bit tougher July 9 in his first start back off a seven week break. Previous start May 20 saw him just miss at this level and it's good to see trainer Jon Arnett bring this 3-year-old back on short notice. Stalker draws a good post for his style and is the choice in a tough race.
2nd pick: #5 (Black Ida's Jo Jo) - Much improved last out in his second ever on this surface, this speedy Arkansas-bred 4-year-old can be involved here from start to finish at a nice price.
3rd pick: #3 (Lauceston) - Lightly raced 4-year-old was an impressive winner here June 10 in a 2L allowance contest, and last out tired facing tougher than these when he chased a very fast pace. Trainer Randy Morse has given him a month to recover and drops him today into a career soft spot. His speed makes him dangerous.