Top pick: #4 (IMPERIAL FORTUNE) (5-2) - The probable favorite, Baffery trained colt finished second last out at Hollywood in his first since debuting two months earlier. Son of "Empire Maker" has a stalking style, is working fast locally, and is makng back-to-back starts for the first time. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Wonderful Union) (3-1) - Debuting gelding by "Tiz Wonderful" cost $150K annd runs off a quick 5-furlong bullet gate work at Hollywood on July 31st. Three-year-old has been in steady training since mid-April and is in the barn of veteran Ron Ellis.
3rd pick: #10 (Exclude) (10-1) - He's needed time off following both his starts and runs today off an 80 day break. Colt by "Tiznow" cost a cool $550K and has been training fast for "Hall of Famer" Rick Mandella. Blinkers are added and 3-year-old draws a nice outside post at this distance.
4th pick: #2 (Proven Warrior) (5-1) - He finished second in his first pair at this level, but regressed a bit in his latest. One-run type has worked fast since and can factor this afternoon at a square price.
5th pick: #9 (Carry the Team) (15-1) - Longshot raced evenly when debuting here on July 27th in a contest that had a big daylight winner. Trainer John Sadler has worked him since, brings him back quickly, and stretches him out.