Top pick: #2 (SAGINAW) - The probable favorite, he's won 8-of-9 races since being claimed by Dave Jacobson for $30K in early March. Speed/stalkers only defeat came when he tired badly in the (G1) Met Mile this past Memorial Day. He's accustomed to going longer, but this field didn't draw any "monsters", so he should be able to get the victory.
2nd pick: #3 (Smokin Hero) - Unlike "Saginaw", this is this veterans favorite distance (20-7-4-1) and he was an impressive winner here facing $30K "open" claimers on Sept. 19. Race was his first since May 26th and veteran was claimed that day by Dom Galluscio (21% off the buy) no doubt with this stakes in mind. Dangerous rival.
3rd pick: #1 (Sportswriter) - Price play raced evenly here in a sprint stakes on the grass facing "open" company on Sept. 13 and trainer Rudy Rodriguez will move this one-run type back to the dirt and in with fellow state-breds again. Don't just dismiss.