Top pick: #6 (DESIGNED FOR WAR) (9-2) - Lightly-raced and well bred, 3-year-old by 'War Front' ships up from Monmouth where he missed by a 'nose' when racing at this level and distance. It was his second off a nine-month layoff and he's brought back quickly by trainer Todd Pletcher. Both blinkers and Castellano are added for this attempt.
2nd pick: #7 (Gustnado) (6-1) - Another that's lightly-raced and has top breeding. He rallied to finish 4th of 12, beaten 2-lengths racing here at this condition going a mile on the grass Aug 1. It was his first sine late October and he had a difficult outside post. Draws better and is a win threat.
3rd pick: #5 (West Village) (15-1) - His lack of early speed hurts his overall chances. Strong finisher has talent, but will need a fast and/or contested pace for anything more than a small slice of this.
4th pick: #8 (Furyofthenorsemen) (6-1) - Speedy colt just failed here at this level Aug 1. He raced close up through-out and was beaten a 'neck.' It was his first ever on the grass and first beyond 6-furlongs. A repeat of that effort makes him dangerous.