Top pick: #8 (FRIENDLY BANTER) (3-1) - Hard hitter was a winner here facing a bit weaker at this 1 1/8th mile distance July 27th. It was his first start in just over 7 weeks and first on the west coast. Gelding was claimed that day by Doug O'Neill and has given him almost 6 weeks to recover. Working fine and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Tiznow Or Then) (4-1) - Clearly the main speed, he's dropping in class and has blinkers added by trainer Ron Ellis. Gelding by "Tiznow" tired last out after chasing a quick pacer facing better and is a strong win candidate on the drop.
3rd pick: #5 (Fighter Squadron) (7-2) - One of two entered by trainer Bob Hess Jr. and believe this the better of the pair. Gelding raced evenly here at this trip when facing a bit tougher Aug. 2 in his first off a Hess claim. Barn drops him a tad under the purchase price for this attempt and lightly raced 4-year-old is a win threat.
4th pick: #4 (Graeme Crackerjack) (8-1) - One of three entered who has won at this distance he raced evenly last out for this tag and was claimed by Tim Yakteen. Veteran gelding has more early speed than most and should be involved from start-to-finish.