Top pick: #1 (ASLAN) (3-1) - Colt is one of two entered by trainer Tom Albertrani and the pair race uncoupled. Darley home bred by "A.P. Indy" comes off a second place finish at Saratoga going 1 1/8th miles at this level July 27th. By far a career best and blinkers are added for this attempt. Three-year-old has been improving steadily of late and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #7 (March Too) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race as separate betting interests. Colt stretches out in distance after setting a pressured pace and holding gamely to finish third when debuting in a 6-furlong sprint at Saratoga Aug. 3. Working well since and I almost made him the top choice.
3rd pick: #6 (Cosmo Blue) (5-1) - The second of the Pletcher pair, he chased a fast pace while wide and finished an even fourth when debuting at Monmouth going 6-furlongs Aug. 17. A solid first appearance and it's noted that Castellano is aboard for this stretch out attempt.
4th pick: #8 (Rare Eagle) (4-1) - No-speed type is the second of the Albertrani runners. He missed by a "nose" going 1 1/8th miles on a "sloppy" surface at Saratoga July 31st and has improved noticeably since returning off of several layoffs July 11th. A fast and/or contested pace would help his prospects out.