Top pick: #6 (D W'S WARRIOR) (3-1) - Gelding was an impressive maiden winner here at this distance in his local debut on June 7. It was his first on a "poly" surface, first since Feb. 20, and first for trainer Darien Rodriguez. He followed that up with a third place finish on June 29 racing for a $25K tag, and is dropping down for this attempt. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Tony's Award) (9-2) - Lightly raced 4yo has early speed and is dropping after a pace-pressing fourth place finish in the same last race as "D W's Warrior." Race was his best since coming off a 8 1/2 month layoff in early June, and he's a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #1 (Crowded Hour) (5-1) - Even paced grey gelding is dropping way down in class in his third start back following a seven month layoff. Lightly raced 3yo has the rail and should factor on the drop.
4th pick: #4 (Pagano) (10-1) - Blinkers go on, and well bred gelding moves up in class for this attempt. He's lightly raced, has gone 2-1-0-1 on this surface, and has plenty of room for upside.