Top pick: #1a (Entry of 1-FAST BULLET and 1a-JUSTIN PHILLIP) (6-5) - These two have different trainers but race as an entry due to common ownership (Zayat Stable). "Bullet" is the main speed of the race, has won 4-of-5 overall and is training fast. "Phillip" is a vetern sprinter coming off a career best when he won the (G1) "Alfred Vanderbilt" here on Aug. 4. Very tough to beat this pair.
2nd pick: #7 (Strapping Groom) (10-1) - Veteran has won two of three (both stakes) since being claimed by Dave Jacobson in late May. He won a $100K stakes here last out and draws a nice post for his speed/stalking style.
3rd pick: #4 (Sage Valley) (7-2) - Lightly-raced but talented colt has won four of his last five overall and has hit "triple digit" figures in that quartet. 4-year-old is 3-2-0-1 at this distance and is 2-for-3 on "off" going.
4th pick: #3 (Jackson Bend) (6-1) - He's gone winless in six starts dating back to April of 2012, and a small slice with a late run appears to be his ceiling.