Top pick: #1 (U.S.S. BOXER) (5-1) - Like many entered in today's finale, he's well bred and lightly raced. $130K son of 'Curlin' tired when debuting at Keeneland facing tougher April 24. On the sidelines since, he's working fast, takes a big drop, has the rail, and Castellano is back on the re-ride.
2nd pick: #4 (Gursky) (4-1) - Gelding by 'Lemon Drop Kid' ships in from Laurel where he tired facing tougher July 17. It was his first ever on the grass and he's taking the same big drop as 'U.S.S. Boxer.' Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Shadow Rider) (9-2) - Un-raced since late March, he ran evenly that day at Gulfstream facing better. He runs as a NEW gelding, drops in class, and has blinkers added. Look for a competitive run in this spot.
4th pick: #2 (Banker's Boss) (8-1) - Another NEW gelding, he's racing off a two month break, dropping a bit, stretching out in distance, and trying the grass for the first time. Long shot possibilities.
5th pick: #8 (Jet Stream) (12-1) - Experienced maiden tends to 'hang' a bit at crunch time. Stretch threat has blinkers added and is dropping to a new low in class. Must be left in the mix.