Top pick: #8 (PRIME ISSUE) (5-2) - Speed/stalker has won more races (5) than any other entered and is racing first off a Hollendorfer claim (35%) and a subsequent 2 1/2 month layoff. Working fast, he's spotted well and is 5-1-2-0 on synthetic surfaces.
2nd pick: #7 (Ashleyluvssugar) (7-2) - One of several lightly-raced entrants, he broke his maiden here last year and then finished third in a $150K stakes a month later. He was never involved in his seasonal bow in Jan. at Santa Anita, but has some impressive works heading into this.
3rd pick: #5 (Chattering Gambler) (4-1) - Another that's lightly-raced, he's making his first start on a synthetic surface after being competitive on both dirt and "poly." Strong finisher has room for improvement and is a stretch threat.
4th pick: #3 (Unusual Taste) (6-1) - Grey gelding raced both wide and evenly in a grass sprint here at this level July 22nd. Owner/breeder/trainer Barry Abrams brings him back quickly, stretches him out, and switches him from turf to "poly."