Top pick: #8 (GAME ON DUDE) - He's always had talent and has really come into his own during his 4-year-old season. He was a surprise winner on this surface March 5 in the Santa Anita H.(G1) and missed by a nose to his uncoupled barn-mate (First Dude) in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) on July 9. He chased and finished fourth to "Acclamation" in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar August 28 and is working very fast here for this attempt. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Awesome Gem) - Hard-hitting veteran has always done his best on conventional dirt and ships back from Emeral Downs where he was a winner in the Longacres Mile(G3) there on August 21. Three of his nine lifetime wins are on this surface and he a threat in this spot.
3rd pick: #1 (Acclamation) - He's always the main speed when he runs and that strategy has allowed him to bank over $1.5M. Has the rail, is working fine, but he's not been at his best in two previous starts on real dirt. That said, he's in career best form and will take them as far as he can.