Top pick: #6 (HOBBS) - He took some money in his debut here on Sept. 17 at this level on the dirt and after racing close-up early he had no response when asked at the 1/4 pole. He has a bullet work at Saratoga since and trainer Chris Clement will send him to the grass today. Barn wins at a 21% rate second-time out and adds lasix today (a 39% winning angle). The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Sinatra) - He's been bet in both starts and improved in his latest when switched to the grass. Son of "Harlan's Holiday" set the pace and held gamely to finish once passed at the 1/16th pole. Trainer Dale Romans brings him back quickly and home-bred is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Quartermain) - He's shown some early speed in his last pair before tiring and in his most recent effort he was 5 1/2 lengths back of Sinatra. The Hertler barn brings him back quickly (17 days) and colt can factor at a nice price.
4th pick: #8 (He's a Fireball) - First time starter by "Mr. Greeley" cost $170,000 and has a fine work from the gate here 9 days ago. The patient barn of trainer Seth Benzel is having a fine year (24 for 132) and is capable of having them run well when debuting.