Top pick: #1a (MR O'LEARY) (5-1) - Lightly raced and very quick out of the gate, he was a wire-to-wire winner here on July 28 racing for a $50K tag. Win came off almost a three month break, and son of "Tale of the Cat" was claimed that afternoon by Dave Jacobson. New barn has had a tough meet, but is still winning at a 25% rate over the past 20 months first off the claim. Colt gets the call despite a class jump.
2nd pick: #7 (Run for Logistics) (10-1) - He just missed here at this level going 5.5-furlongs July 28 in his first back off a two month vacation. Stakes placed last year as a 2yo, and that last effort earned him a career best "figure." Given almost five-weeks to recover and is a threat in this spot.
3rd pick: #4 (John's Island) (3-1) - No speed type drops back down in class after rallying while wide to finish a non-threatening fourth here on July 26 in the G2 "Amsterdam" stakes. In career best shape, his trainer Jimmy Jerkens has had a great meet, and drops this gelding down in class. A fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out.
4th pick: #10 (Big Guy Ian) (7-2) - Like "John's Island," he also exits the G2 "Amsterdam" here on July 26. New York bred tired after contesting a swift and contested pace, and is dropping down for this assignment. Working fast and is a threat from on or just off the lead.
5th pick: #6 (Mar de Mares) (12-1) - He's actually finished first in all five starts, but was disqualified last out at Philly Park racing at this level and distance. It was his first in the U.S. after coming from Mexico, and the "figure" earned last out fits nicely with this group. In a capable barn (John Servis), and he must like this lightly raced colt to send him to the "Spa."