Top pick: #2 (MONTCLAIR) (5-2) - Irish bred and French raced, he missed by a 'head' in a small stakes at Delaware Park July 11. It was his first start in North America and first for trainer Chris Clement. Five-year-old kept top company in France and can take this from off the pace.
2nd pick: #7 (Reflecting) (3-1) - Dangerous veteran has more early speed than most and is back in shape following a pair of layoffs. Phipp's runner is working well locally and the distance is fine with him. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (St Alban's Boy) (8-1) - Even-paced type has spent most of his career picking up minor awards in stakes races. He was 3-lengths back of 'Montclair' last out at Delaware and has worked fast twice since. He's the only horse running with a win here at Saratoga in the past.
4th pick: #4 (Messi) (2-1) - German import won his North American debut July 2 at Belmont. Solid effort was his first race since last Sept. in his native country. An obvious threat, but he may be over-bet a bit.