Top pick: #8 (IRON POWER) (7-2) - Grey gelding has a speed/stalking style and comes off a sharp local effort on Aug. 9. Racing at this level and distance he rated, took a clear lead when asked. and was nailed in the last few strides to miss by a "neck." The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Belisarius) (3-1) - Irish import comes from his home country in shape and was stakes placed as recently as July 7th. He has early speed. Lasix added, and he's a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (Alarmed Ndangerous) (10-1) - One of two entered by trainer Linda Rice and the pair race uncoupled. No-speed type has raced evenly in both starts since returning from an 8-month layoff on July 2nd. He's a stretch factor if able to avoid a wide journey.
4th pick: #11 (Make a Decision) (6-1) - The second of the Rice pair, he has more early speed than his barn-mate and was only two lengths back of "Iron Power" last out. Nearing his best following a pair of layoffs and can factor in this spot.
5th pick: #1 (Jonrah) (12-1) - One-paced type split "Iron Power" and "Make a Decision" last out and moves to a nice ground saving post. Capable, and he's won on this course in the past.