Top pick: #5 (GRANDEUR) (7-5) - Irish import rallied from far back to finish 4th of 10, beaten 2 1/2 lengths in the local "Manhattan" stakes (G1) on June 7th. Grey gelding was much farther back than normal and in his previous start he finished a close up 3rd in the (G1) "Man O War" stakes on May 11th. Working well for this attempt and he won the (G2) "Hollywood Turf Cup" at this distance late in 2012. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Boisterous) (3-1) - One of two entered by trainer "Shug" McGaughey and the pair race uncoupled. This veteran stakes performer was three lengths back of "Grandeur" last out in an even paced effort, but was beaten just over a length in his previous start by current "Horse of the Year" "Wise Dan." Seven-year-old gelding has won more races (six) on the Belmont grass than the rest of the field combined (five) and is a major threat to the top pick.
3rd pick: #4 (Chamois) (8-1) - Lightly-raced colt has the best early speed of those entered and is racing third back off a half-year's absence. Working well and the "hot" barn of Chris Clement adds blinkers. Interesting price play.
4th pick: #7 (Reflecting) (8-1) - The second of the McGaughey pair, Phipp's home bred is the type that can run all day and has won two of three starts in the past at this demanding 12-furlong distance. The faster the pace, the better his prospects.