Top pick: #8 (LIEUTENANT RON) - Gets the acid test today to show what kind of runner he really is. Very highly thought of since winning his only start at two, he had a serious injury that kept him off the Triple Crown trail last spring. Working super since a win at Belmont on October 5, this will be his first try in a stakes and his first around two turns. Two of his three career wins have come on this main track, with "Web Gem" being the only other to have won on this surface. This contest will give us an indication what kind of horse he is, and could become.
2nd pick: #4 (Ready Set) - His 13 lifetime starts have come on seven different surfaces, and today he'll make it eight. Winner of the West Virginia Derby (G3) in August, he just missed last out in the Pegasus (G3) last out at the Meadowlands. In shape, consistent, and in a winning barn (Mike Matz). Win threat.
3rd pick: #3 (That's Right Officer) - He's really improved his game as the year has grown late. His last three starts, all stakes, have seen him finish second each time. One of his best races ever came at Saratoga at this difficult two-turn 1 1/8 mile trip. Just missed that day to "Tin Cup Chalice" who was undefeated at the time. Can see him running a big race at a square price.