Top pick: #1 (BAD READ SANCHEZ) (2-1) - Dough O'Neill trains our top three choices in this $100K stakes that honors "Hall of Fame" trainer Willard Proctor who passed away some years ago. This Colt couldn't have been more impressive when winning his debut at Santa Anita on June 20. Colt broke on top, put away an early challenge, and drew away to win by 10 lengths in :57.40 for the five-furlongs. Has the rail, and jockey Mario Gutierrez sticks with this $130K yearling purchase.
2nd pick: #2 (Wake Up Nick) (9-5) - Undefeated (two for two), and last out he won the $125k "Santa Anita Juvenile" from just off the lead. Working fast for this, and he has Sean Arias aboard as jockey Mario Gutierrez (who's ridden him in both wins) opts for "Sanchez." Obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Henry's Holiday) (6-1) - Strong finisher finished fourth, 2 1/2 lengths back of "Nick," last out in a Santa Anita stakes. All of these juveniles are attempting this six-furlong trip for the first time, and that should be to this stretch runners advantage.
4th pick: #4 (Story to Tell) (3-1) - He split "Nick" & "Story" last out at Santa Anita, and has been razor sharp in both appearances. Purchased for $200K this past March, son of "Bluegrass Cat" has the best chance of upsetting the O'Neill trio.