Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (HARD STUDY) (3-1) - This is the seventh running of the Birdstone Stakes, the longest dirt race run at the Spa. It's a demanding 14 furlongs and always draws an interesting group. This colt by 'Big Brown' seems made for this distance. Stalker is in form, can save ground every step from his inside post, and can win this from close range.
2nd pick: #2 (Turco Bravo) (6-1) - This Chilean import won this stakes a year ago by a length. 'Long winded' type is racing second back from a two-month break, has blinkers on, and Javier Castellano, who was on him in his win here in 2016, is back aboard.
3rd pick: #5 (Scuba) (9-2) - Hard hitter ships from Woodbine where he finished a troubled 4th there in a G3 stakes going 11 furlongs July 1. Grey gelding can 'run all day' and must be left in the win mix.
4th pick: #7 (Sea Raven) (12-1) - Mid-Atlantic regular ships from Delaware Park where he rallied from far back to finish 2nd in a small stakes going 8.5 furlongs. He's won here twice in the past with only 'Turco Bravo' being the only other runner who can claim that.