Top pick: #1 (FOURTH OF JULY) (3-1) - Improving colt did not break sharply and raced very wide when rallying to finish 4th facing tougher July 18 at Belmont. Working steadily since, he drops in class, and breaks from the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Verger) (7-2) - Well bred 3yo hasn't raced since debuting last Sept. at Belmont Park. The leading trainer here (Chad Brown) has him working above average and will switch him from dirt to turf. Barn also drops him in class and stretches him out in distance.
3rd pick: #3 (Deep Consideration) (15-1) - He's been competitive in eight straight starts on the grass and runs first off a John Toscano, Jr. claim. Stalker finished 3rd here for a $40K tag the day he changed barns (Aug. 10th) and fits with these despite moving up in class.
4th pick: #9 (It's a Given) (5-1) - Lightly raced 3yo is another racing off a claim. Grey gelding finished a pace-setting 2nd at Belmont at this price tag the day he was claimed and has been training steadily since. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #10 (Mill Creek) (12-1) - He draws another tough post, but was only beaten a bit over a length racing here at this level Aug. 9th. He's worked fast since and is a factor if able to avoid a wide trip.