Top pick: #5 (GAYEGO) - Amazing transformation has taken place in this runner as he once was a talented distance specialist and has now become a deadly one-run sprinter. Lightly raced this season (4-3-1-0), he's a synthetic specialist (7-4-2-0) and has a fine local slate (5-2-2-0). His success depends on a fast and possibly contested pace which he received in winning the "Ancient Title" (G1) on this course at this distance four weeks ago. The pick in a contentious race on a card where most are of that description.
2nd pick: #8 (Capt. Candyman Can) - If this race was 6.5 or 7 furlongs I'd have put him on top. Late running type has never lost at 7/8th's and ran out of ground last out at Keeneland in the "Phoenix" (G3) when he finished second at this six-furlong trip. Like the top pick, a fast/contested race would help him out greatly. Contender.
3rd pick: #3 (Fatal Bullet) - Synthetic specialist (11-9-2-0) finished second in this event last year. In that contest he fought his way to an early advantage and after opening up in mid-stretch was caught late by "Midnight Lute". Has a clear speed on the rail to track and he looks well-prepared for this with a big local drill on October 24.