Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (MALTHAEL) (5-2) - He's been competitive in every start and last out rallied to finish third here at this level going a mile Sep 28. Gelding ran 2nd at this 9 furlong trip in a 'off the turf' contest at Saratoga Sept. 2 and his trainer ,Chris Clement is having a very strong meet 62-13-8-16. I give this home bred a slight edge.
2nd pick: #7 (Tiberius Mercurius) (3-1) - He missed by just under a length going 9.5 furlongs at this level Aug. 16 at Saratoga. It was his first start in two months and he runs today off a trainer change to Steve Asmussen, 58 of 306 (19%) with new arrivals in 2018-19.
3rd pick: #9 (Star Decisis) (7-2) - The field's only first-time-starter, he's from the barn of Chad Brown, 20% with debuting stock since Jan. 1 of 2018. Training steadily at Monmouth, Irad Ortiz Jr. is signed on.
4th pick: #1a (Betterment) (8-1) - Son of 'Kitten's Joy' is part of an entry with 1-'Tough Times'. Colt raced evenly here going a mile Sept. 28 in his first start since Feb. 10 and most likely needed the effort for conditioning purposes. 3yo enters off a quick half-mile work Oct. 18 and may factor at a square price.
5th pick: #4 (Bail Out) (10-1) - One of two older runners entered, he's been competitive in seven straight on the grass. He runs first off a negative barn switch following a claim, but must be left in the mix if he holds his recent form.