Top pick: #6 (KNOCKOUT) - $300,000 ridgling by "Smart Strike" was claimed last out at Saratoga for $25K by trainer Dom Galluscio. 3yo ran well that day in a contest that came "off the turf" and in his previous pair at Monmouth had finished 2nd and 3rd running for $40K on the grass. New barn wins at a 21% rate first off the claim and a 29% clip when riding J.J.Castellano. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Forty Tears) - Excellent effort last out at Saratoga saw him finish 3rd at this price going 9 furlongs from a tough outside post. Gelding has more early speed than most and should be involved from start to finish this afternoon.
3rd pick: #8 (Cousin Rich) - The main speed drops way down in price and finished a strong pace-setting 3rd at Saratoga early in their meet racing for $50K. Has a fine work 6 days ago and his speed makes him a serious win threat.