Top pick: #6 (FOREST BOY) (5-2) - He had a fine race over the track on July 28 in his first off a six-month break and first for trainer Dave Jacobson. Gelding battled a big Pletcher drop down (Pecorino), and stayed with that one until the 1/8th pole when he tired to check in fourth as his rival went on to an easy score. Barn brings him back quickly and cuts him back a furlong.
2nd pick: #1 (Alexndeed) (4-1) - He's finished second in two straight, the latest at Belmont at this level going seven-furlongs July 10. He had just missed in his previous start, and both of those efforts came in his only starts for a tag.
3rd pick: #5 (Bird Now) (3-1) - Whitney home bred is lightly raced, improving, and is racing third off a 9 1/2 month layoff. Trainer Ian Wilkes drops him into a claimer and adds blinkers, both for the first time. A major player today.
4th pick: #2 (Byron's Pop) (6-1) - One of two making their debuts, this son of "Empire Maker" cost $625K and runs first out with a $75,000 price on his head. In a very under-rated barn (Al Stall, Jr.), and colt had a sharp half-mile gate breeze here July 26.