Top pick: #8 (WIRED BRIAN) (7-2) - New York-bred is a nose shy of being undefeated after winning his first pair and losing by a nose here last out in the (G2) "Saratoga Special." Working fast since and this grey son of "Stormy Atlantic" draws a nice outside post.
2nd pick: #6 (Big Sugar Soda) (4-1) - He's one of two entered by trainer Steve Asmussen and the pair race uncoupled. Colt may have been the most impressive maiden winning 2-year-old at this meet when he scored by almost 9 lengths in very fast time on July 22nd. Very dangerous and a win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Strong Mandate) (6-1) - He was an impressive gate-to-wire maiden winner here Aug. 17 and this son of "Tiznow" earned a lofty "figure" that afternoon. "Hall of Famer" Wayne Lukas brings him back quickly and $200K yearling must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Corfu) (3-1) - One of two from the Pletcher barn, he "nosed' "Brian" last out to remain undefeated (2-for-2). Speedy colt has shown a lot of grit in that pair and is a factor if he holds his form.
5th pick: #5 (All in Blue) (15-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, he was a sharp maiden winner at Belmont on July 4th, then tired here in the "Sanford" stakes (G2)after stumbling badly at the start. Price play.