Top pick: #1 (ONE LUCKY DANE) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Bob Baffert and both are win candidates. This son of "Lookin At Lucky" just missed last out at Del Mar racing at this level & distance. He was involved in a pace-duel from start-to-finish and has been working fast here since. Speedy sort has the rail, Bejarano stays put, and this $490K yearling purchase is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Selection) (12-1) - I thought this longshot ran better than it looks last out at Del Mar and he's been training fast locally for his first race on real dirt. Win candidate at a big price.
3rd pick: #2 (Bollywood) (6-1) - The second of the Baffert pair, he raced both wide & evenly when debuting in a Del Mar sprint Aug 16. Owner Kaleem Shah spent $700,000 this past April for this son of "Bernardini" and colt has been working very fast locally for this attempt. Dangerous on the distance increase.
4th pick: #7 (Secreto Primero) (3-1) - He finished a pace-setting 2nd at this level & distance at Del Mar Aug 20. He had a nice trip from an inside post and is moving out in the gate. Can factor, but think he'll be over-bet in this spot.
5th pick: #5 (Papou) (8-1) - He raced evenly following a slow start when debuting at Del Mar Aug 16. Grey colt by "Tapit" cost $400K and is bred to like the dirt and this longer trip.