Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (HONOR A. P.) (2-1) - He rallied from far back to finish 2nd when debuting going six furlongs at Del Mar Aug. 17. A $850,000 yearling purchase, he's working above average. These connections, trainer John Shirreffs and jockey Mike Smith, won yesterday's 8th race with a similar looking maiden.
2nd pick: #6 (Special Day) (5-1) - This son of 'Tiznow' missed by a half-length at this level and distance Sept. 8 at Los Alamitos. It was a big step forward off his sprint debut Aug. 17 at Del Mar, and he's been working very fast for this attempt.
3rd pick: #8 (Defense Wins) (4-1) - Colt moves back in with maidens after a non-competitive effort here in a G1 here going 8.5 furlongs Sept. 27. He had checked in a solid 3rd in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) at seven furlongs Sept. 2 and had just missed in his debut there sprinting five furlongs at this level July 21. In the mix.
4th pick: #7 (Tizamagician) (8-1) - He's stretching out after being competitive in one of two sprinting at Del Mar. Another son of 'Tiznow,' he's bred to like this longer trip, and may get a share at a square price.
5th pick: #9 (Eddy Forever) (9-2) - A home bred by 'Medaglia d'Oro,' he's rallied to finish a close up 4th in both starts on the grass at this distance. The Baffert barn switches him to the grass (five of 15, 33%) , but his lack of any speed combined with his outside post makes his task difficult. A fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out.