Top pick: #4 (CARACORTADO) - He was considered a Kentuck Derby threat at this time last year but did not race in that contest and after an even effort in the Preakness trainer Mike Machowsky sent him in for a 5 month break. This gelding is two for two on the grass since returning and in between those wins he ran a solid 3rd to Twirling Candy in the G1 Malibu. Still fresh, training fast, and the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Fluke) - Brazilian import is as consistent as they come on the grass (14-6-6-0) and last out won the Ge Thunder Road on this surface at this distance. He has fine positional speed, loves this surface (5-2-2-0) and this particular distance (9-3-4-0). Win candidate and I almost put him on top.
3rd pick: #3 (Acclamation) - Speedy son of "Unusual Heat" hasn't run since late July but is training fast on the grass course here. He gives away a big recency edge to the other contenders, but his early speed makes him dangerous if ready.
4th pick: #5 (Square Eddie) - "Quirky" type has wins in his past on turf, dirt, and "poly", so he does have some talent. He ran a career best two back in an allowance on the main-track and moves back to the turf after a "toss" effort last out at Gulfstream in the G1 Donn when he broke poorly. Tough call but Rosario, who rode him in his win on Jan.14th is back aboard.