Top pick: #2 (GROUPTHINK) (7-2) - Gelding is racing second back off a seven-week and is stretching out in distance. He missed by a 'neck' last out at Belmont going 7-furlongs. Stalker was very sharp that day and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Beyond Empire) (5-2) - The probable favorite, he rallied to miss by a 1/2 length at this level going a mile at Belmont June 25. It was his first in five months, and this stretch runner has won here before at this distance. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Royal Posse) (5-1) - He broke his maiden here at this distance a year ago. 4yo has the rail, early speed, and is racing first off a Rudy Rodriguez claim, a 29% winning angle. His inside post should have him involved from start-to-finish.
4th pick: #4 (Moneyinyour Pocket) (10-1) - He's moving way up in class after an easy win at Belmont facing weaker going a mile July 12. It was his best overall since last December and trainer Dave Jacobson generally keeps them sharp once in shape.