Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (SHE DOESN'T MIND) (7-2) - French import had a lot of promise back in 2016, but went in for a 16.5-month layoff beginning in Oct. of that year. Competitive in four of five since returning in early March, she missed by a 1/2-length here at this level and distance Aug. 10. A repeat of that effort makes her tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #12 (Sweet Connie Girl) (2-1) - Competitive in all three starts since coming back from an 8.5-month layoff April 13, stretch runner missed by just over a length here facing a bit tougher July 25. In the barn of leading trainer Chad Brown, she's an obvious contender, and I would have made her the top selection if not for her tough outside post.
3rd pick: #3 (Discreet Image) (10-1) - Longshot was very 'hard to handle' here when finishing 7.5 lengths in back of 'She Doesn't Mind.' She had finished 2nd in her previous start, and today trainer Dave Donk has leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard for the first time.
4th pick: #6 (Front Row Debbie) (10-1) - Plodding type split 'She Doesn't Mind' and 'Discreet Image' here at this level Aug. 10. Mare fits but needs to do better in the final stages for anything more than a minor award.