Bet this race at Top pick: #4 (Essential Quality) (3-1) - Essential Quality ran its last race at the same distance of 1 1/4 miles, winning the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. It was another impressive performance, trailing Midnight Bourbon by 3 1/2 lengths before overtaking him. That's three 1st place finishes in a row, including the Belmont Stakes in June. This sleek three-year-old son of Tapit has eight wins in nine starts. Essential Quality also stormed from behind at the top of the stretch to win the Jim Dandy in July. Jockey Luis Saez and Essential Quality have seen every type of challenge and situation this year, and they keep coming out on top.
2nd pick: #3 (Hot Rod Charlie) (4-1) - One of the best three-year-old colts draws a prime post position. Hot Rod Charlie broke through winning the Pennsylvania Derby and has had six weeks to prep for another strong showing. He bested Midnight Bourbon there, showcasing excellent acceleration late to pull away. All his races have been on a dirt track, including the Kentucky Derby in May at this same distance, finishing 3rd. Charlie also finished 2nd in the longer Belmont in June.
3rd pick: #9 (Max Player) (8-1) - Max Player has found his comfortable distance, winning back-to-back 1 1/4 races. This four-year-old won the Jockey Club Gold Cup in September in a dominant performance, winning by four lengths. Previously, he won the Suburban Handicap at 11-to-1 odds. This horse has run only on dirt courses with two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd, and four victories.