Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (CUTTING HUMOR) (3-1) - This colt stretches out in distance following a solid debut Sept. 9 at Belmont Park. Racing on a sloppy surface going seven furlongs, he chased a fast pace before weakening to finish 2nd. $400K purchase is from trainer Todd Pletcher (31% second time out), and he wins at a 24% clip on the distance increase. This son of 'First Samurai' gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Harvey Wallbanger) (5-2) - Lasix is added to this colt, who finished 2nd when debuting Sept. 3 at Saratoga going six furlongs. Trainer Ken McPeek has worked him twice here since with the latest being a well above average half-mile breeze Sept. 29.
3rd pick: #6 (Erlich) (6-1) - Another sprinter stretching out, this son of 'Curlin' finished 2nd when debuting at Monmouth Park going six furlongs on a sloppy track Sept. 9. In a capable barn (Kelly Breen), this colt breezed a very sharp half-mile before shipping here.
4th pick: #2 (Speed App) (15-1) - Colt had gate issues in both starts at Saratoga, but did show some ability once in stride. $165K son of 'Flatter' worked a fast half-mile Oct. 3 at Churchill, and he hails from the barn of 'Hall of Famer' D. Wayne Lukas.