Top pick: #3 (HOPE CROSS) (5-2) - Irish bred is one of two fillies entered by trainer Chad Brown and the pair race uncoupled. She's finished second in all three starts, has a speed/stalking style, and the leading rider here (Javier Castellano) stays aboard. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Angel Choir) (4-1) - Speedy filly comes off a career best here at this level and distance July 25th. She jumped out to an early lead from her outside post, set solid fractions, and was nailed in the last two strides. rare Indiana bred around here draws a good post and should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #4 (Colorful) (6-1) - Daughter of "Smart Strike" cost the Stonestreet folks $1,000,000 back in Nov. of 2011 when sold as a weanling. She raced a bit wide when debuting in the same July 25th race as "Angel Choir" and rallied late to finish only two lengths back of that rival. Stretch threat.
4th pick: #9 (Shift Colors) (5-1) - Lightly-raced filly exits the same last race as "Hope Cross" and held gamely to finish third, only a bit more than a length behind that filly. Lasix is added, she's worked three times since, and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #6 (Giant's Jewel) (20-1) - Veteran maiden will be a big price and this home bred by "Giant's Causeway" has finished second in two of four local grass starts. May grab a share at long odds.