Top pick: #5 (INNOVATIVE IDEA) (5-2) - Nicely bred filly has been very sharp in both starts on synthetic surfaces. Daughter of 'Bernardini' was an easy winner when debuting at Arlington Par almost a year ago, then rallied to finish second here at this level and distance June 16. Freshened up since, one-run type is working well and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Bella Bianca) (7-2) - Improving and lightly-raced, she just missed (a neck) here at this distance July 21. It was her second back off a 7-month layoff, first in blinkers, and first on a synthetic surface. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Shopper) (3-1) - Stretch runner enters in career best form. Grey 4-year-old didn't shown much in her first half-dozen starts, but has gone 3-1-2-0 here since coming off a 9-week freshening in early June. Strong finisher moves in with 'open' company after finishing 2nd here at this trip in her last pair facing fellow Pa. breds. Must be left in the win mix.
4th pick: #1 (Shungo) (8-1) - Recent maiden winner did so here at this distance July 21. Lightly-raced and beautifully bred, 3-year-old has plenty of room for upside. Daughter of 'Smart Strike' earned a nice figure last out and can factor at a big price in this spot.