Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (AMERICAN ANTHEM) (5-2) - Lightly-raced and talented, he's been on the sidelines since an easy win in the Woody Stephen Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park June 10. That was a career best and it came at this seven furlong distance. $435,000 son of 'Bodemeister' has been training very fast at Del Mar for trainer Bob Baffert and his outside post will give jockey Mike Smith some early options. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #7 (Coal Front) (2-1) - He enters a perfect 3-for-3 with his latest win coming here going 6.5 furlongs in the Amsterdam Stakes (G2) July 29. In the Pletcher barn and this $575,000 colt by 'Stay Thirsty' is an obvious threat.
3rd pick: #2 (Takaful) (5-1) - Shadwell home bred has talent, potential, looked awesome when winning a first level allowance here going six furlongs July 21. A career best, it was his first start since March 4 and it earned him a 105 Byer figure. Colt has worked fast since and is dangerous despite moving way up in class.
4th pick: #1 (Practical Joke) (3-1) - Consistent colt won his first two starts here during the 2016 meet including the Hopeful Stakes (G1). Stretch runner is cutting back in distance following a close up third place finish in the $1,000,000 Haskel Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park July 30. In shape and a late threat.