Top pick: #9 (PETEY CRAMER) (3-1) - "Petey" comes into this with three straight wins in grass sprints facing "open" company, and he's done well here in the past without visiting the winner's circle (4-0-1-3). Clearly the main speed, he proved last out that he can rate a bit before making a move. High percentage out of state barn (Jorge Navarro, 28%) has him in career best shape, and Juan Ortiz is aboard. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Ziptronic) (5-2) - Veteran grass sprinter has gone 11-0-3-2 at this distance, and all of them have been local. He was a winner last out at Belmont going six-furlongs on the grass and did so in the incredibly fast time of 1:08 flat. It was his best overall in two years, and he was claimed that day for $40K by trainer Bruce Levine. A strong win threat.
3rd pick: #6 (With Exultation) (7-2) - One run type gives away a ton of experience to the top two selections, but enters off a career topper when he rallied to finish second of 10, beaten just under a length racing here at this level and distance July 21. Very consistent on the grass (8-1-3-2), and he had a huge work here since his latest effort.
4th pick: #7 (Warrior Up) (20-1) - Not a win candidate, but veteran is capable of getting a minor award at a big price if the speed comes back a bit in the final furlong.