Top pick: #4 (STAY THIRSTY) - He's really come to hand for trainer Todd Pletcher since a bit of a "troubled" trip in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) and following a near miss in the Belmont S.(G1) on June 11, he's improved a "ton" in winning both the G2 Jim Dandy and the $1M Travers S. (G1) at Saratoga. Colt has much improved speed, is working fast, and the field's lone 3-year-old can beat his elders this afternoon.
2nd pick: #1 (Flat Out) - Folowing an easy win here on July 2 in the G2 Suburban H., he finished second at Saratoga in both the G1 Whitney Invitational H. and the G1 Woodward and is in career best form at present. 5-year-old son of "Flatter" has a strong closing kick and races coupled with the speedy Birdrun who may try and use his speed to set up this runner. Strong late factor.
3rd pick: #1a (Birdrun) - Surface loving (6-3-3-0) speedster won the G2 Brooklyn H. on this surface June 10 and set a track record on it earlier in his career. Think he'll be employed to set a fast pace to help stable-mate "Flat Out's" strong closing kick. Can factor in his own right if left alone in the first two furlongs.