Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (GRANDMA'S FAVORITE) (7-2) - One of a pair entered by trainer Wesley Ward and the pair race uncoupled. NEW gelding drops into a claimer (a 35% winning move by Ward), is racing second back off an eight-month layoff, draws well, and Irad Ortiz, Jr. stays aboard.
2nd pick: #7 (Fooch) (8-5) - The second of the pair from trainer Ward, this 4yo is the morning line and probable heavy favorite. He ships from Kentucky Downs where he missed by a 'head' in a rich maiden event Sept. 8. Speedy sort is an obvious win candidate at a short price.
3rd pick: #2 (Siena Magic) (5-2) - Colt raced both wide and evenly when debuting in a grass sprint Aug. 23 at Saratoga facing special weights. Trainer Todd Pletcher (31% second time out) drops him into a claimer (30%), and John Velazquez is aboard.
4th pick: #6 (Clyde's Runner) (10-1) - No speed type drops in class while shortening up in distance. I believe a minor award is his ceiling unless the pace is very fast and/or contested. On the plus side, Javier Castellano is aboard following a three races absence on this home-bred.