Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (WAR CHEST) (5-1) - Lightly raced and well-bred, $500,000 son of 'War Front' enters off a 3rd place finish at this level going nine furlongs at Belmont July 5. It was a career best to date, and it's nice to see this colt stringing starts together. Trainer Shug McGaughey is having a strong meet (7 for 24, 29%), and this 3yo gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #10 (Strike) (4-1) - The main speed, he set a solid pace and held gamely under pressure to miss by a 'neck' here going 8.5 furlongs at this level July 29. Only his second back following a 9.5 month layoff, he's a threat to win this on the front end.
3rd pick: #9 (Admission Office) (8-5) - The morning line and probable favorite, he rallied from far back to finish 2nd at Belmont in the same July 5 contest as 'War Chest.' He was just over a length in front of that rival, and leading trainer Chad Brown adds blinkers (a 28% winning angle) this afternoon.
4th pick: #1 (Cullum Road) (15-1) - Longshot finished 1.5 lengths in back of 'Strike' here July 29. It was his first since May 31 when he was claimed at Belmont Park by Mike Maker for $62,500. He had serious traffic issues in his latest. He has the rail today, stalking ability, and a rider upgrade to Luis Saez.