Top pick: #10 (DUBAI'S CONNECTION) - Speedy veteran ships up from Philly Park where she tired in a starter-allowance July 12. Drops into a claimer for the first time since last fall and her record over the past 20 months is (17-9-3-2). Draws a nice outside post and will prove tough to catch against these.
2nd pick: #3 (Spina) - Mare had a solid race over the track at this price July 28 when she was involved from start-to-finish and was beaten just under a length. Has plenty of back class, and mare likes this surface (6-2-2-1). Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Judicial Leader) - New York-bred drops out of stste-bred allowances to face low-end "open" claimers. Working well at Belmont for her first start since June 30 and she can factor at a nice price.
4th pick: #5 (Kissa Melissa) - Drops after a rather poor outing over the track July 29 racing for $25K. Prolific winner (13 for 45) is showing signs of "slippage" but is still dangerous as she runs in a career soft spot.