Top pick: #3 (SMOGCUTTER) (7-2) - Baffert-trained colt had a tough outside post (10th of 10) when debuting here July 21st and tired after setting a quick and pressured pace. Trainer wins at a 27% rate second time out and brings this runner back on a short turnaround.
2nd pick: #7 (Go First) (3-1) - Gelding just missed when debuting on May 24th at Hollywood, then raced wide and evenly there on June 15th in the $100K "Proctor" memorial. freshened up since, Harris home-bred is working steadily and has Gomez aboard for the first time.
3rd pick: #6 (Exponentially) (8-1) - He's raced well in all three appearances and will be moving up in class following a 1/2 length loss here on July 18th racing for a $50K tag. Fits, has early speed, but needs to do a bit better.
4th pick: #9 (Onebadshenanigan) (9-2) - He finished an even fourth when debuting here at this level going 5 furlongs on July 21st. The Mullins barn has worked him since and the extra 1/16th today is in this one's favor.