Top pick: #2 (ITSMYLUCKYDAY) (3-1) - He's always had talent, but has really improved overall since coming off several layoffs in late April. He's gone 4-3-1-0 since then and last out finished second to today's rival "Moreno" here in the G1 "Whitney" on Aug. 2. Stalker draws the rail, has been staying in shape at Monmouth, and has blinkers on for this attempt.
2nd pick: #4 (Moreno) (2-1) - Speedy gelding has done some of his best work locally and put it all together when he went gate-to-wire to win the G1 "Whitney" at this distance Aug. 2. In career best shape, he's worked fast since that score and will be in this from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #1 (Entry of 1-Long River & 1a-Romansh) (8-1) - This pair of well bred runners from the "Godolphin" operation have different trainers but are coupled due to common ownership. "River" has fine early speed, is working fast, and has blinkers added. Believe he'll be sent hard at the break in an attempt to make "Moreno" work hard in the first half-mile. "Romansh" has been off form in his last pair, but is capable with his best and son of "Bernardini" is 3-for-6 at this trip.
4th pick: #3 (Micromanage) (8-1) - Colt has been very sharp in four of his last five starts and is a paerfect 2-for-2 in his career here at the "Spa." Son of "Medaglia d'Oro" was an easy winner here in a 14-furlong marathon on Aug. 7, and has been working nicely since.
5th pick: #6 (Zivo) (5-1) - New York bred has won six in a row and has been freshened since an easy win at Belmont on July 5th in the G2 "Suburban" Hdcp. No-speed type is 3-1-1-1 locally and is 2-1-1-0 at this distance. He'll need some pace help to get anything more than a small slice.