Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (MARAUD) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. This colt sold for $375,000 as a 2-year-old in training in May and looked sharp when winning his debut Sept. 2 at Saratoga racing at this distance. Bet down to 7-5 favoritism, he stayed close to the pace after breaking from a tough outside post (10th of 10), rallied while wide when asked, then he drew off to score by two lengths. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Seabhal) (5-1) - The second of the Pletcher trained pair, he's one of two maidens entered. Son of turf sire 'Scat Daddy' has been sharp in both starts and enters off a fine fourth place finish in Saratoga's With Anticipation Stakes (G3) at this distance Aug 30. He had a very tough post (11th of 11) that day and had to rally while 5-wide, Working fast for this attempt, Pletcher is adding blinkers (20%).
3rd pick: #5 (Voting Control) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, son of 'Kitten's Joy' rallied while wide to win his debut here going a mile Sept. 10. Trainer Chad Brown brings him back quickly and leading rider Javier Castellano is back on the re-ride.
4th pick: #1 (Desert Stone) (12-1) - The other maiden entered, Irish bred colt rallied to finish two lengths in back of 'Maraud' when debuting Sept. 2 at Saratoga. He's worked fast twice since and can factor at a big price.