Top pick: #7 (SPANISH MOON) - Sir Michael Stoute holds a very strong hand in this year's edition of this 1 1/2 mile contest. He not only saddles this runner, but also tightens the girth on No. 2 "Conduit" who won this race in '08. This son of the recently deceased "El Prado" has only had three well-spaced appearances in 2008 and is a short "nose" from being undefeated this year. Loves this 12-furlong distance (6-4-1-0) and looks like he's all set for a big effort.
2nd pick: #5 (Dar Re Mi) - Filly finished a close-up fifth last out in the $6,000,000 "Arc de Triomphe" (Fr.G1) to arguably the best horse in the world "Sea of Stars". Going into that race vs. the best males in Europe, she had won three consecutive Group One's but was disqualified in the "Prix Vermielle" (Fr.G1) in a highly controversial decision. Daughter of "Singspiel" has a good tracking gear and a powerful late kick. Contender.
3rd pick: #2 (Conduit) - He also finished close-up in the "Arc", and that effort, his first in 70 days, should set him up perfectly for a try at a repeat win in this contest. This field is tougher than last years, but this colt's Time Form numbers are some of the highest in recent years. He's a very strong win candidate.