Top pick: #9 (DIVINE NOTION) (7-2) - Lightly raced gelding chased while racing wide and tired to finish third at this tag on July 14th at Hollywood park. Race was his first in 8 1/2 months, and he was bet down to 6-5 in that comebacker. Trainer Mike Puype has worked him three times since, and has him making back-to-back starts for the first time.
2nd pick: #10 (Spotted Owl) (5-1) - He's had a troubled start in both outings, but recovered to race evenly each while facing tougher. Gelding has a pair of fine local works showing since his latest, presumably done with the blinkers on that he wears in "live" action for the first time.
3rd pick: #7 (Valid But True) (15-1) - Longshot showed good early speed before tiring here at this tag & trip on July 17th. Race was his first since debuting at Santa Anita on April 4th, and he's worked three time since. Moves off the rail, and trainer Vlad Cerin has him making back-to-back starts for the first time.
4th pick: #12 (Patriotic Lion) (5-1) - Long time maiden, has good early speed, and tired here at this price-tag going seven furlongs on July 20th. He's worked very fast since, and cuts back a furlong, which is in his favor.
5th pick: #2 (Chicago Hero) (15-1) - Another longshot, he's done some fine things locally (4-0-2-1), and is racing third back from a 9 1/2 month layoff. Can impact at a very big price.