Top pick: #3 (DECIPHERING DREAMS) - Very highly though of last year at this time, state-bred was sent to Churchill Downs for the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf(G2)and was only beaten 6 1/2 lengths. After a 3rd place finish in a small stakes on the dirt at Aqueduct in early Dec, he did not run again until August 27th at saratoga where he raced evenly while wide the entire contest. Working fine since and this 9 furlong distance, plus the return of Dominguez after a one race absence, makes him the top pick.
2nd pick: #8 (Cookram Rock) - He's faced "open" company in 3 of his last 4 starts and goes today offa 6 week break and for a new trainer (Mike Hushion 24% with new arrivals). He's been racing evenly this year but is 2 for 4 on this surface. Can contend at a nice price.
3rd pick: #10 (Chardsey) - Has unlimited potential at this point as he's still learing what it's all about. He looked beaten last out at Saratoga in mid-stretch, but surged and picked-up his maiden win. Son of "War Chant" can only get better and is a strong stretch threat if he avoids a wide trip.