Top pick: #8 (SIOUX) (5-2) - He's always been highly thought of by trainer Mike Hushion, and this lightly-raced 3-year-old has won four in a row after finishing third in his debut. Son of "Awesome Again" has won both races with ease since coming off a long layoff Aug. 9 at Saratoga and last out he looked super when winning here at Belmont on Sept. 28. Stalker gets a "class" test today, but I still like his chances.
2nd pick: #6 (So Lonesome) (6-1) - Speed/stalker has been freshened up since winning the $250K "Albany" stakes at this distance on Aug. 24 at Saratoga. He's gone 4-2-1-1 on the dirt and earned a career best last out at the Spa. Dangerous runner.
3rd pick: #7 (Eye Luv Lulu) (5-1) - "Lulu" enters in sharp form and had an impressive half-mile breeze in preparation for this race Oct. 13. His ability to race close up is a plus and he's improved overall since blinkers went on two starts back.
4th pick: #3 (Saratoga Snacks) (7-2) - He's seeking a repeat in this rich stakes as he stayed on gamely to win it one day short of a year ago. Five-year-old had also run second in it in 2012 so you know the deep surface and distance are fine with him. He's coming off a pair of subpar efforts but did have legitimate excuses in each.
5th pick: #1 (Empire Dreams) (10-1) - Longshot was trounced by "Lonesome" last out at Saratoga, but in his previous start had won the "New York Derby" at Finger lakes. He likes it at Belmont at 3-2-1-0, and may impact at a square price.