Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (MACAGONE) (3-1) - This old timer has been freshened up since finishing second facing 'open' starter-handicap (16K level) going a mile at Monmouth Park June 9. Veteran 8yo has a stalking style, positive local experience, and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Storm Prophet) (8-1) - Longshot is racing first off a Rob Atras claim (28%0 and he moves him back to the grass where he's gone 11-1-4-2 in the past. He finished second at this level and distance on the dirt at Belmont June 20 and think he'll be competitive at a big price from his ground saving post.
3rd pick: #4 (Way Early) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he's the class of the field but hasn't runs since Dec. 1. Stakes placed facing 'open' company. he won here at this trip Aug. 25 in his only previous local attempt. He enters off a sharp half-mile work July 14 and would be no surprise if ready.
4th pick: #8 (Minsky Moment) (7-2) - A very lightly raced 5yo, he's from the barn of Chad Brown and he moves him back to the grass for the first time since Dec. 2 of 2017. A son of 'Flatter', he's finished second in both previous turf attempts and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #9 (We Should Talk) (15-1) - A stretch out sprinter, he missed by a length at this level going 6 furlongs at Belmont July 7. His ability to race closeup is a plus and his last effort produced a figure that fits with these if repeatable at today's longer distance.