Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (MERGER OF BANKS) (3-1) - Speedy, grey colt finished a pace-setting 2nd at this level and distance July 4 at Belmont. Claimed that afternoon by Rudy Rodriguez, he wins at an excellent 28% rate first off the barn switch. 3yo has Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard and will be tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #11 (Construct) (7-2) - $200K 3yo by 'Curlin' drops in class, switches from grass to dirt, and is cutting back in distance. In the Pletcher barn, both blinkers and John Velazquez are added as this gelding is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #13 (Pure Quality) (10-1) - Longshot has been on the sidelines since tiring facing tougher Feb. 24 at Gulfstream Park. I like his work pattern, the drop off the layoff, and the addition of blinkers. Think he's in the mix at a very big price.