Top pick: #1 (KINGDOM) (3-1) - He's only run one sub-par race in eight hurdle attempts annd just failed here at this level going a bit longer Aug. 15. Owner/trainer/breeder Tom Voss has him set for a big effort and the shorter trip is a plus.
2nd pick: #3 (Constant Contact) (4-1) - Irish-bred drops down in class after racing a bit "rank" while setting the pace in a $75K stakes here on July 25th. Race was his first in four months, first in No. America, and he should be much fitter for today's assignment.
3rd pick: #7 (Mr Universo) (6-1) - Old-timer was a pretty good runner on the grass and has gone 4-1-1-1 since being converted to the jumps. 9-year-old has fine tactical speed and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (Pleasant Woodman) (15-1) - He likes to go to the front right at the start and might have won here on Aug. 1 if he didn't "lose a shoe" nearing the 8th of 10 fences. Dangerous on a turf course that's been favoring speed types the last three racing days.
5th pick: #6 (Call Me Sonny) (10-1) - He was well beaten last out and "left the course" nearing the last two fences. However, he was a stakes winner earlier this tear and was racing off almost a three month break in that recent contest. Don't just dismiss.