Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (ARABIAN LEOPARD) (7-2) - One of three entered by trainer Bob Baffert and they give the 'Hall of Fame' conditioner a strong hand in this mile maiden contest. This son of 'Scat Daddy' sold for $575,000 this past spring as a 2-year-old in training. Bet down to 3-5 when debuting at Del Mar Sep 5, he raced evenly after being bumped heavily at the break. Working well since, colt is stretched out in distance (a 26% winning move) by a 22% second-out barn.
2nd pick: #3 (Nightly News) (2-1) - Another from the Baffert group, he's the probable favorite in this spot. Gelding missed by a 1/2 length when finishing second at Del Mar at this level and distance debuting on Aug 26. Working fast since, with Marty Garcia opting for 'Arabian Leopard', Raf Bejarano is aboard. Obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Rideo) (6-1) - Home bred has been freshened up since Aug 12. Colt was bet in both starts at Del Mar racing on the grass and has been working fast on this surface for his first on the dirt. Price play has Gary Stevens aboard replacing the recently injured Flavien Prat.
4th pick: #6 (Semper Fortis) (5-1) - Son of 'Distorted Humor' cost $525,000 a year ago as a Keeneland yearling. He's stretching out after showing good early speed in a pair of dirt sprints. Colt has been working fast here and must be left in the mix at a square price.