Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (FINANCIAL SYSTEM) (5-2) - A very lightly raced 6yo, he may have been a stakes type if not for injuries and layoffs during his career. He's gone 10-5-2-2 overall and is 8-4-2-1 on the grass. He rallied late to win here by a 'neck' facing $50K claimers at this distance July 19 in his first start since Jan. 31. Klavarich runner from the barn of Chad Brown gets a slight edge in a contest where you should box whatever exotic wagers you make.
2nd pick: #3 (Willing to Speed) (10-1) - He exits the same last race as 'Financial System' and was only 1.5 lengths behind him at the finish. Consistent sort has John Velazquez back on the re-ride and this 4yo stalker can factor at a square price.
3rd pick: #7 (Abiding Star) (8-1) - This speedy veteran as gone 22-6-5-1 on the grass and is racing third back after spending 7.5 months on the sidelines. He makes his Spa debut, but has won at Belmont at this tag and distance in the past and this hard-hitter won a pair of stakes last year. In the mix.
4th pick: #1 (Another) (5-1) - He's part of an entry with 1a-'Zero Gravity,' and we'll take either one as my fourth pick. The Kantarmaci barn has separate riders listed so it's possible the entry will remain intact. This 5yo moves up in class, and a bit in price after winning for a $35K tag July 9 at Belmont.