Top pick: #5 (CURLIN) - The reigning "Horse of the Year" will make his Saratoga debut today after training here the past two seasons but not starting on this famous surface. He's been just awesome since coming back from a two month break last year when he won the "Jockey Club Gold Cup" (G1) at Belmont. Undefeated until his recent second place finish to a world-class runner in "Red Rocks" in his grass debut, he's training in superb fashion for this important event. Unlike "Big Brown" who beat a very watered-down field in the "Haskell" at Monmouth, this stake is loaded with quality runners. He'll have to earn it, but I've always thought of him as something special.
2nd pick: #4 (Divine Park) - Lightly raced and talented, he was visually impressive in winning both the "Weschester" hdcp. (G3) and the "Metropolitan" hdcp. (G1) at Belmont earlier this year. Freshened up since and working well for a trainer (Kiaran McLaughlin) seeking to win his first Saratoga trainer's title. The main danger.
3rd pick: #8 (Wanderin Boy) - The main speed, like his more accomplished barn-mate, "Commentator", he is still going strong at an advanced age (7). Comes off a smashing win going seven-furlongs and has trained great since. Must be caught.