Top pick: #1 (NELLA'S MANGAS) - Gelding ships in from Arlington Park where he was competitive in his last pair there racing on the synthetic surface. Has the rail, races for a new trainer (Jim Barker), and competes on real dirt for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Nominee) - Debuting colt by "Awesome Again" has some sharp works on his AM tab including a bullet half-mile drill from the gate at Presque Isle on Sept. 1. Jockey Ronnie Allen Jr. comes in for the mount and that's a big plus.
3rd pick: #10 (Gold de Placa) - First time starter by "Good Reward" is in a solid barn (Ed Caramori) and he's won with four of his last 16 debuting runners. He doesn't ship here often and has a pair of 2-year-olds entered this evening.