Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (ABSOLUT UNIT) (3-1) - Colt ships back from Oaklawn where he showed good speed in a pair going two-turns on the dirt. Back at his home base, he's finished 2nd in both previous grass attempts, and did so here at this distance Jan 4. He gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Veteran) (5-1) - A son of 'Quality Road,' he tired after setting the pace following a slow break when debuting at this distance on the dirt Aug. 10 at Del Mar. Unraced since, he's working fast, switches to the grass, and Mike Smith stays aboard.
3rd pick: #8 (Tripoli) (12-1) - A $450K son of 'Kitten's Joy,' he finished last of 12, beaten by 10.5 lengths when debuting here at this level and distance May 23. He had a rough trip in the large field, and I think he can impact at a huge price.
4th pick: #3 (Solo Animo) (7-2) - This colt rallied strongly to finish 3rd, missing by 3.5 lengths here May 23. He was well in front of 'Tripoli,' but there were many tiring badly that he passed late. A contender, but I think he'll be over-bet some.
5th pick: #7 (Hollywodhellraisr) (8-1) - A debuting gelding, he's from the same barn (Phil D'Amato) as 'Solo Animo.' He worked a fast five furlongs here June 7 and is one of three who was nominated to this year's Triple Crown series.