Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (HALLADAY) (5-1) - A son of 'War Front,' he's stretching back out in distance in his first facing winners. Grey colt rallied from close range to win by a length going seven furlongs June 22 at Belmont. It was his first race in nine months, by far a career best, and this Pletcher trained 3yo has worked fast twice since.
2nd pick: #2 (Penalty) (3-1) - The probable favorite, he's rallied to finish 2nd in two straight at this level. The latest came May 2 at Churchill Downs, and he's been working fast since. From the barn of Bill Mott, this 4yo is an obvious contender.
3rd pick: #1 (Variant Perception) (4-1) - A 4yo son of 'Curlin,' this $290,000 purchase has been freshened up since missing by a 'head' at this level going 8.5 furlongs May 27 at Monmouth Park. Stalker has a ground saving post, is from the barn of Chad Brown, and Castellano is aboard. A win candidate.
4th pick: #5 (Lonhtwist) (20-1) - Longshot stretches out in distance following a pair of solid efforts sprinting on the Belmont lawn. Much improved in those two efforts, he has more early speed than most, and I think he's capable of getting a share at a big price.
5th pick: #6 (King Cause) (12-1) - This 4yo has moved up significantly since moving to the grass two starts back. He has a flexible style and may get a minor award at large odds if the pace is fast and/or contested.