Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (MASTER RYAN) (5-2) - A lightly raced home bred from the barn of Phil D'Amato, this gelding has finished 3rd in both starts at this level and distance. One run type draws a fine outside post, enters off a fast local work Aug 3, and gets top billing.
2nd pick: #7 (Spendaholic) (4-1) - A NEW gelding, he was competitive in two of three dirt sprints at this level and is working steadily for his first race since Dec. 8. Owner/trainer Ed Freeman ads blinkers and this 3yo by 'Square Eddie' is dangerous if ready off the eight-month layoff.
3rd pick: #4 (Fredrikstad) (3-1) - He's one of several 4yos entered and is making only his 3rd start. A gelding by 'Twirling Candy', he missed by a 1/2 length debuting at this level and distance May 25. He was a 1/2 in front of 'Master Ryan' that afternoon, but finished 8 lengths behind that rival June 15. Working steadily, he's a threat with a repeat of his first effort.