Top pick: #1 (WICKED STRONG) (5-1) - Strong finisher hasn't won since taking the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) here 13 months ago at this distance. He's been competitive several times and last out finished an even fourth here in the Whitney Invitational (G1) at this distance Aug 8. He draws a ground-saving post and is 2-for-4 at this demanding trip. Working fast, his best shot would come if #4 'Bay of Plenty' makes #2 'Liam's Map' work hard in the first half-mile.
2nd pick: #2 (Liam's Map) (7-5) - The probable heavy favorite, he just failed to last here in the G1 Whitney here at this distance Aug 9. Speedy grey colt set blistering fractions and held strongly to miss by a 'neck.' If #4 'Bay of Plenty' doesn't soften him up a bit, the rest are running for second money. A very strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Bay of Plenty) (12-1) - Lightly-raced 4-year-old has a fine overall record 9-5-2-0 and enters off an impressive win here at this distance in the $100K Alydar Stakes Aug 9. His final time was fast 1:48.80 and it earned him a career best figure. Dangerous at a big price.
4th pick: #7 (Effinex) (4-1) - New York bred is 3-for-4 this year and in his lone poor effort his rider could not control him. Stretch runner has earned triple digit figures in his three victories this year and is working fast for his first since July 4 at Belmont when he won the G2 Suburban Handicap. The faster the pace, the better his chances.