Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (CLUTCH CARGO) (9-2) - Son of top sire 'Tapit' switches to the grass and is stretching out in distance. Well backed in his debut going seven furlongs on the dirt Aug 29 at Saratoga, he made up some ground following a slow start. He's breezed four times since, the latest pair being very sharp local half-mile works. Trainer Mike Hushion wins at a 35% rate second time out and I like this home bred's chances.
2nd pick: #8 (The Great Samurai) (3-1) - The morning line favorite, he missed by a 'neck' here at this level going a mile on the grass Sept. 22. A career best, one-run type gets a bit more distance and that's in his favor. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (The Intern) (5-1) - Home bred stretches out in distance after an even effort debuting here at this level in a grass sprint Sept. 11. Only beaten four lengths, gelding had some traffic issues at the 1/2 mile pole. He's worked twice since and Javier Castellano stays aboard.
4th pick: #5 (Benny Big Boy) (15-1) - Heavily bet in both starts, colt has finished behind 'The Great Samurai' in each of those. Longshot probably has more talent than shown so far and may grab a share at a big price.
5th pick: #10 (Outrageous Bet) (6-1) - Nice effort here Sept. 22 saw him make a strong bid before weakening late to finish three lengths behind 'The Great Samurai.' His outside post is of no help and believe a minor award is his ceiling.