Top pick: #4 (ROYALTON) (5-2) - Expensive ($200K) daughter of 'Malibu Moon' ships in from Indiana Downs where she debuted July 1. Facing 'open' company special weights, she pressed a quick pace before tiring to finish third to a much the best winner. Trainer Steve Asmussen (24% second time out) has worked her three times since, has her in with fellow state breds, and has Castellano aboard. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1a (Women Win) (2-1) - The probable favorite, she's finished second in four straight at this level. Latest saw her do so here July 26 in a race that had a daylight winner. Speed/stalker is improving and earned a career best figure last out. Obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Kellyesque) (4-1) - Annually high-percentage trainer (Todd Beattie) sends this filly in from his home base of Penn National for her debut. Daughter of 'Colonel John' has some sharp works showing and jockey Clinton Potts comes in with her for the mount. Dangerous, especially if she takes betting action.