Top pick: #8 (DECISIVE EDGE) (5-2) - He's been competitive in all three turf starts and last out at Belmont he missed by just under a length racing at this level. Stalker is working fast locally for his first race since May 30th and this $650K son of "Bernardini" seems poised for his maiden win.
2nd pick: #2 (De Facto) (6-1) - Owned by the legendary Calumet farm and he's trained by "Hall of Famer" D. Wayne Lukas. Colt has early speed, brtesks from the rail, and is working fast for this attempt. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Northeast Bound) (8-1) - "Long-winded" type stayed in shape when racing here in an off the turf contest July 27th. Clearly better on the grass, two back at Churchill he was only 1 1/2 lengths back of "De Facto." The faster the pace, the better his prospects.
4th pick: #10 (Vasco Da Gama) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he rallied from far back to finish third when debuting at Monmouth Park on July 5th. In the Pletcher barn (30% second time out), gelding stretches out in distance and John Velazquez is aboard.
5th pick: #4 (Throwback) (12-1) - Debuting colt has been in steady training since late May and his trainer (Bill Mott) is having a strong meet. Owner Paul Pompa Jr. had Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown win his debut here at this level and this colt may impact first out at a big price.