Top pick: #1 (BATTLE RED) (8-5) - NEW gelding is returning from a 6 1/2 month layoff for the Pletcher barn. He's finished second in e of his first four on the grass and speed stalker has a half-dozen published local drills since June 18. Has the rail, John Velazquez aboard, and he meets a weak field overall. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Path Dependent) (5-1) - Lightly-raced 3-year-old is racing for the first time since last Sept. He was beaten a 'nose' here at this level and distance when debuting a year ago, then tired at Belmont going 7-furlongs before going in for the long layoff. Major threat if ready.
3rd pick: #2 (Salsa Dog) (8-1) - Another NEW gelding, speedy sort is racing off an 80-day freshening. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart adds blinkers and has this 3-year-old working steadily for this attempt. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Irresitible Me) (10-1) - Four-year-old gelding obviously has some issues with only one start on his resume. He tired that day at Philly Park last Sept. after having some serious trouble at the break. Working fast for his new trainer (Ben Perkins Jr), he moves him to the grass in his comebacker.