Top pick: #5 (INTO THE FRAY) - Runs today for the third straight time for a new barn as Ed Kenneally claimed him for $35K at Saratoga on Aug. 31. New trainer rarely cliams anymore, so it is of significance. Colt has good early speed, drops down, annd goes turf to dirt off a five week rest. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Backdown) - He was impressive when breaking his maiden at Saratoga racing for a $25K tag August 24th, then had no chance here on Sept. 12 in his first facing winners when be was "bumped" at the break. He's come back with a fast local work and his early speed makes him dangerous, and at a big price.
3rd pick: #2 (Christopher's Joy) - Runs second off a Steve Asmussen claim and well-bred colt showed excellent early speed before tiring facing tougher in a Monmouth grass sprinton Sept. 2. Working fast for this, and both blinkers and Dominguez are added for today's attempt.