Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (PROUD NATION) (2-1) - Grey son of 'Tapit' missed by a 'neck' when debuting at this level and distance Sept. 2 at Ellis Park. However, he was disqualified and placed 9th for causing a crowding incident at the break. He's worked four times here since and will be tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #1 (Blue Steel) (4-1) - Well backed (2-1) when debuting here Sept. 15, he raced evenly after having some traffic issues at the start. $270,000 purchase has worked very fast twice since and should factor today with a better beginning.
3rd pick: #10 (Frolic More) (7-2) - Inexpensive ($25K) son of 'More Than Ready' missed by a 'neck' here going 6.5 furlongs Sept. 27. Bet down to even-money that afternoon, this colt has a good post and should be competitive with a repeat of his latest.
4th pick: #3 (R One) (12-1) - Longshot is from the same barn (Steve Asmussen) as #7 'Proud Nation.' Colt tired after pressing the pace while wide when debuting here Sept. 15. Barn (18% second time out) has breezed him five times since, and I look for a much better effort from this runner at a big price.
5th pick: #5 (Queen's Bird) (8-1) - Even paced in both starts, he finished 4th of 12, beaten 6.5 lengths at this distance Oct. 6 at Keeneland. Son of 'Birdstone' may get a minor award at long odds with a bit of improvement.