Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (JUSTICE OF WAR) (3-1) - This son of 'Strong Mandate' is racing for the first time since May 3 and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. A $550,000 purchase, he's training steadily, has early speed, and trainer Steve Asmussen wins at an 18% rate onthis particular class reduction in 2018-19.
2nd pick: #3 (Odie) (5-2) - A 3yo gelding by 'Scat Daddy', he finished an even fourth of eight, beaten just over 3 lengths going 5.5 furlongs on a sloppy surface at Belmont June 21. He lost position at the break when pinched back and it's noted that John Velazquez, who piloted him to a second-place finish April 25 is back aboard following a one race absence.
3rd pick: #6 (Go Get That) (6-1) - This home bred is switching from turf to dirt, dropping in class, and shortening back up in distance. He showed good early speed sprinting on the dirt at Churchill Downs for a $50K tag May 18 before an even and troubled attempt at the same track going a mile on the turf June 14. In the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Northern Haze) (8-1) - This 3yo by derby winner 'Orb' has raced evenly in three starts on the grass at a variety of distances facing tougher. Freshened up since June 15, he's dropping in price and is shortening up in his dirt debut. From a capable barn (John Terranova III), he worked this colt three times locally during July and believe he'll be competitive in this spot.