Top pick: #1 (ALWAYS FIRST) - English-bred became better with age as his record over the past three years attests. Gelding will be gunning for a third consecutive win in this 1 1/2 mile stakes and will try to do it off exactly a year's layoff. He won the '06 renewal of this off an eight-month rest, and did so with authority. The choice for the win.
2nd pick: #5 (Herboriste) - Mare has been keeping company with some of the best in her division over the past year. In shape, and she's been this rugged distance four times with a pair of wins.
3rd pick: #7 (Ra Der Dean) - Probable pace-setter will need to really step it up to win this. He'll be in front a long ways, but think he'll begin to wear out in the last two furlongs.
4th pick: #6 (Touchdown Peyton) - Won a longer race (1 3/4 miles)last out at Philly Park. Can run all day, but would need a career best to have a chance at more than a minor award.