Top pick: #1 (STRUEVES STAR) (5-2) - Gelding is coupled in the wagering with #1 "Distant Thoughts" and at press time both are still running. He's racing third back from a 7-week freshening and will be going turf to dirt and halving in price. He has the best overall figures of this group and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Freight) (6-1) - He finished a distant second at Saratoga going 7-furlongs at this $20K claiming tag on July 21st. It was his first start in 10 months and trainer Charlie Baker has wisely given him almost 7-weeks to recover. Four-year-old breezed upstate before shipping south and believe he's a threat in this spot.
3rd pick: #6 (Niki and Dylan) (5-1) - Pa.-bred ships back from Philly Park where he tired after chasing the pace while between horses going 7-furlongs July 26th. On the sidelines since, he drops to a new low and owner/trainer Steve Klesaris adds blinkers (20%).
4th pick: #4 (Percy's Ambition) (6-1) - Lightly-raced gelding set a pressured pace and weakened late to finish fourth when facing tougher, going 7-furlongs at Saratoga Aug. 9. It was his first start in six months and trainer Nick Zito drops him to a new low and adds blinkers.