Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (BROVIA) (9-2) - A lightly raced 4yo, she had a lot of traffic problems when finishing 5th of 12, missing by three lengths at this trip facing $40K state-bred claimers June 19. It was her first since debuting seven months earlier in an 'off the turf' contest at Aqueduct, and trainer Jim Bond (9-2-1-2 so far at this meet) replaces apprentice Cardenas with Irad Ortiz, Jr.
2nd pick: #6 (Micromillion) (7-2) - Competitive in all four attempts on the dirt, she moves to the grass in her first race since Feb. 14. Trainer Todd Pletcher, 24% off of long layoffs, adds blinkers (15%), and he's won with 23 of 72 (32%) dropping maidens into the claiming ranks for the first time. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Timeless Journey) (4-1) - The hottest trainer on the grounds, Chris Clement is 9 for 23 (39%) so far at this meet and sends out this homebred by 'Verrazano.' She had a rough trip when beaten by 3.5 lengths when debuting at Belmont facing tougher June 28. She's worked twice this month, drops in class, and Joel Rosario gets aboard. In the mix.
4th pick: #10 (Baby Girl) (8-1) - A $210,000 yearling purchase, she stretches out in distance after finishing a pace-pressing 3rd of 11, missing by two lengths sprinting at Belmont at this level July 12. It was a big move forward off her debut at Tampa Bay Downs May 27 and is from the 'up and coming' barn of Kevin Sweezey.
5th pick: #3 (Mizzen the Mark) (15-1) - She finished a wide and even 3rd going nine furlongs at this level July 2 at Belmont. It was her second back off a three-month break, and she's clearly improved since moving to the grass. The 3yo may hold down a share at a big price.