Top pick: #5 (PROSPECTOR'S MOON) (8-1) - Long shot raced evenly after a troubled break when debuting at this level and distance July 12 at Belmont. $350K daughter of 'Malibu Moon' has worked fast twice here since and at one time trainer Jimmy Jerkens was known for second out success. Three-year-old has a solid shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #2 (Excuse My French) (7-2) - One of three fillies making their debuts, she has an impressive work tab on view. Home bred has a dozen published drills listed with nine on the local training track and three on the main surface. She has the rail and it's Castellano riding for Chad Brown, a 29% winning combination.
3rd pick: #9 (Istiraaha) (6-1) - Another of the debuting trio, filly by 'Tapit' cost $360,000 back in Sept. of 2012. Training above average for a 20% first-out barn (Kiaran McLaughlin) and he and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. have won with 44 of 133 (33%) when teamed up over the past 19 months.
4th pick: #6 (Bird Sense) (9-2) - Speed/stalker has been freshened up since June 14 when she ran second at this level going 7-furlongs at Churchill Downs. She's worked five times here in the past month and trainer Ian Wilkes would love to win one here for long-time owner Mary-Lou Whitney.
5th pick: #7 (Sanctifica) (4-1) - Speedy 4-year-old just failed last out at Belmont after setting a pressured pace. An obvious threat, but she's now past the age of 4.5 years and doesn't have much room for upside. A contender, but will be over-bet.