Top pick: #3 (TAPITSPHERE) (7-2) - Home bred son of 'Tapit' has been freshened up since June 21. He finished second that day at Belmont at this level going a mile on a sloppy surface. It was a career best and this stalker catches a field where his positional speed is a big plus. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #6 (Send it In) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. Lightly-raced and very much improved of late, he broke his maiden here at this trip facing fellow New York breds Aug 5. A career best overall, 3-year-old by 'Big Brown' has worked fast since and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (African Fighter) (5-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, he's moving up in class and draws the rail. Colt by 'Tiznow' rallied to miss by a 'head' July 11 at Belmont going a mile for a $25K price tag. Working well since, strong finisher will have no problem handling this longer distance.
4th pick: #2 (Total Joint) (6-1) - The probable front runner, he enters off a pace-pressing third place finish at Monmouth in the $100k Long Branch stakes. He has leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard and is dangerous if allowed to get an easy early lead.