Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #12 (SUNNY RIDGE) (8-1) - I must admit that I don't like his outside post, but grey gelding has enough gate speed to not be forced wide in the short run to the first turn. He won a minor stakes at Belmont going 8.5 furlongs July 6 and gets a slim edge in a very competitive contest.
2nd pick: #9 (Gunnevera) (4-1) - He's nearing the $3M mark in career earnings and finished second here last year in the Travers Stakes (G1). A winner at Gulfstream Aug. 10, that weaker contest was just a prep for this assignment. Dangerous today.
3rd pick: #4 (Tapwrit) (9-2) - Last year's Belmont Stakes (G1) winner is making his fourth start since coming off just over a 9-month layoff June 3. He chased 'Diversify' before tiring to finish fourth here at the rich G1 Whitney Stakes Aug. 4 and believe that was his best since getting back into action. In the mix.
4th pick: #1 (Yoshida) (6-1) - Talented 4yo has done well on the grass 10-4-3-0 and makes his dirt debut in the G1 contest. He has a ground saving post and is a serious player if he can transfer his turf form to the main track.
5th pick: #11 (Leofric) (20-1) - He's won 6-of-8 starts over the past two years and multiple stakes winner is making his NYRA debut. He has a versatile style, is from a winning barn (Brad Cox), and is capable of impacting if able to avoid a wide trip.