Top pick: #6 (WAKE UP IN MALIBU) (7-2) - Lightly-raced and well bred, he's improved noticeably in his last pair when trainer George Weaver added Lasix and switched him to the turf. Three-year-old by "Medaglia d'Oro" missed by a "head" here at this level on Aug. 9 and earned a career best figure that afternoon. He gets a slight edge in a competitive climax to "Travers Day."
2nd pick: #3 (Thurgood) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Chris Clement and the pair race uncoupled. He broke his maiden here at this trip in his first back from a two month break and this son of "Giant's Causeway" looks like he has a bright future. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Morning Calm) (3-1) - Colt has been freshened up for the past three months by trainer Michelle Nihei after missing by just under a length at Belmont going 1 1/8th on the turf at this level. He defeated open company in Florida and strong finisher is a threat with his best.
4th pick: #10 (Bluegrass Flash) (4-1) - The second of the Clement pair, he's been competitive in three of four turf races and has a bit more tactical speed than most entered. Grey gelding has finished up close in both attempts at this level and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #2 (Macagone) (12-1) - He's the main speed of this group and breaks just off the inside. Colt by grass champ "Artie Schiller" tired very late here July 26th racing at this level and distance and has trained fast since. Don't just ignore him.