Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (I'M THE CAPTAIN NOW) (5-2) - One-run type has been competitive in seven straight starts at this level, all on the grass going 9 furlongs or longer. He's finished second and third in both attempts at this 11 furlong distance, has a ground saving post, and Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard for the first time.
2nd pick: #8 (Captain Hardship) (4-1) - No-speed type has made up ground in all four starts since coming from Ireland during the spring. Colt has finished behind 'I'm Captain Now' twice, but the margins were both under 3.5 lengths. Late threat.
3rd pick: #6 (Cumulative) (6-1) - Son of 'Lemon Drop Kid' rallied to finish third when debuting at Belmont going a mile for a $40,000 Oct. 12. Claimed that afternoon by Bob Diodoro he moves him way up in class while stretching him out in distance. New trainer wins at a 24% rate first off the claim and this runner is bred to like this longer distance.
4th pick: #9 (Culture Carrier) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he rallied to miss by just under a length at this level Oct. 22 at Belmont going 10 furlongs. It was only his second start and gelding in from the barn of Chad Brown. With Javier Castellano at Del Mar today, Jose Ortiz is aboard.