Top pick: #8 (NIGHT MANEUVER) (4-1) - Hard-hitter enters this in top form and was a winner at this level going six furlongs at Belmont June 22nd. Claimed that day by Gary Contessa, he brings him back in four weeks at the purchase price and stretches him out an 1/8th. Gelding has won here in the past, and draws a nice post for his speed/stalking style.
2nd pick: #10 (Leave of Absence) (6-1) - Another who comes with his best almost every start, he was a sharp winner at Belmont on May 31st, and last out there he finished third in the $100K "Lion Cavern" stakes. Fits, is in career best shape, and draws a nice outside post for this seven furlong trip.
3rd pick: #5 (Blind Hope) (10-1) - Since being claimed by Jay Servis in May of 2012, this speed/stalker has won five of nine starts including a very game score here last Aug. 12. Sparingly raced the past six months, he moves up in class after winning a $35K claimer at Belmont on May 24th.
4th pick: #3 (Integrity) (2-1) - Lightly raced, well-bred ("Hard Spun") and expensive ($320K), he's gone 5-2-1-1 overall and comes off a career best when winning against cheaper at Belmont at this distance on June 8th. In the barn of Chad Brown, 3yo has room for upside and is a threat, but will be over-bet against a pretty tough crew.
5th pick: #9 (Uncle T Seven) (12-1) - Stakes winner many times over, he rallied to win the $50K "George Barker" at Finger Lakes on May 27th, then ran evenly last out at Belmont after losing all chance at the break. Veteran is 8-1-2-3 at this distance and can factor at a big price.