Top pick: #1 (GRAND RAPPORT) (9-5) - Strong finisher enters in terrific form and will be cutting back a bit in distance after missing by a 1/2 length here going 1 1/2 miles on the grass July 25th. He's beaten tougher fields than this in the past, draws the ground saving rail, and is much the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Knights Nation) (5-1) - He has fine early speed in this rather paceless race on paper he has a shot at a square price. Lightly-raced 4-year-old is rounding into form following almost a 5 1/2 month layoff and the distance and level are a fit.
3rd pick: #9 (Arc Above) (3-1) - He rallied to finish third last out and was a length better than "Knights Nation" at the finish. It's nice to see him stringing starts together following several layoffs and is a threat if he can avoid a wide trip from this outside post.
4th pick: #8 (Cozy Kitten) (5-1) - One-run type just missed here at this tag going shorter here on Aug. 3. It was his best overall since Feb. at Gulfstream and trainer Phil Serpe has been red hot here the past two weeks.