Top pick: #6 (WICKED FREUD) (5-2) - Grey gelding enters off a solid effort when debuting on the Belmont turf going 6-furlongs July 17. He broke sharply from his outside post (12th of 12), chased a very quick pace, and held gamely to finish second to a more experienced rival. Generazio home bred by 'Freud' can take this with a normal move forward in his second attempt.
2nd pick: #1 (Tiz a Chance) (2-1) - Augustin runner has been on the sidelines since debuting last Sept. at Belmont Park. Heavily bet that day, he raced close up from his inside post and rallied to check in second of eight, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. He's worked 6-times at Fair Hill since July 4 and races with Lasix added. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Frisky Magician) (4-1) - He improved last out when sent to the grass in his second start. Gelding raced close up throughout and finished third, only a 1/2 length behind 'Wicked Freud.' Bargain priced ($9,000) 3-year-old has since worked a solid half-mile here Aug 8. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #7 (Elusive New Yorker) (10-1) - He cost $200,000 as a Saratoga sales yearling back in 2013. Gelding has sharp early speed and has been freshened up since June 26. He set a quick pace that day before weakening in the final furlong. Dangerous at a big price if he establishes an uncontested early lead.