Top pick: #2 (PECORINO) (5-2) - The probable favorite, gelding cost celebrity chef Bobby Flay $130K in March of 2013 and 3-year-old by "Afleet Alex" has gone 4-0-2-2 when facing tougher. Stalker is racing third back from a 9 1/2 month layoff and his conditioner (Todd Pletcher) seems well on his way to winning another Spa training title.
2nd pick: #8 (Eight Cents) (15-1) - He's finished second in two of his last four starts, the latest coming at this distance at Belmont on July 10. Competitive on wet tracks in the past and he draws a nice outside post at this trip.
3rd pick: #7 (Appealing Alex) (10-1) - Beautifully bred 3-year-old is working very fast locally for his first since May 3rd at Churchill Downs. Gelding by "Unbridled's Song" is dropping into a claimer for the first time and is dangerous if he runs to his a.m. drills.
4th pick: #3 (Forest Boy) (3-1) - California invader hasn't raced since late January at Santa Anita. He's been competitive a number of times when facing tougher and his new trainer(Dave Jacobson (25% with new arrivals), will drop him into a claimer in his return to action. The sloppy track will not help his chances, but the drop should.