Top pick: #13 (MUDCRAFT) (7-2) - One of two entered by trainer Chris Hartman and the pair race uncoupled. Gelding has finished second in both starts and is racing for the first time since last Dec. Home bred is working nicely and stalker draws a fine outside post. The top pick, but make sure you reverse your exactas.
2nd pick: #8 (Baron Von Snoot) (12-1) - The second of the Hartman pair, he's moving up in class after a solid debut here Aug. 21 facing weaker. Gelding set/pressed a quick pace and tired in the final furlong to check in third. Working fast since and he should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #14 (Wildcat Shoals) (8-1) - Debuting 3-year-old is from a to outfit (Bret Calhoun) and has some fine local works on view. Barn wins at a 22% clip first out and Calhoun's main rider (Marion Berry) is aboard.
4th pick: #4 (Johnie's Slew) (3-1) - Strong finisher rallied from far back to miss by just under a length racing here at this level on Sept. 6. It was his first off a four month layoff and represented a career best. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #5 (Charlie Webb) (9-2) - Lightly-raced colt by grass champ "Artie Schiller" has finished second in two of three dirt sprints and is working well for his first since July 19th. Home bred is racing on the turf and stretching out in distance, both for the first time. Bred to do both and he should factor in this spot.