Top pick: #7 (LONGHUNTER) - English-bred was highly thought of by his barn overseas and did all his racing in Ireland last year. Colt was 2-for-4 (which included a stakes win) and in his two losses wasn't baeten much in a pair of Group 2 contests. Son of the successful "Halling" ran second at Gulfatream in late Feb in his first start since Sept. 11th, then rallied to win a small $50K stakes there 5 weeks later. Training nicely and trainer Chris Clement cuts him back in distance for this. Like many Europeans he should love the big turns on this course. The top pick.
2nd pick: #2 (Batter Up) - Trainer Chad Brown scrated this runner out of the James W. Murphy S. yesterday at Pimlico on the Preakness under-card. He's won two in a row at Gulfstream and has a trio of sharp local drills since shipping north. Strong finisher is a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #5 (Parent's Honor) - Speedy son of "Elusive Quality" won last out at Philly Park on the dirt and trainer Tony Dutrow will race him on the grass for the first time. Training very fast for this attempt and is a major factor if he takes to the surface.