Top pick: #3 (NEXT SPEAKER) (7-2) - Four-time winner steps up in class in his first off a Bob Hess, Jr. claim. Gelding was an easy winner the day he was taken for $18K and ran this distance in 1:10 flat. New trainer has had an outstanding meet, and this strong finisher should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into.
2nd pick: #9 (Final Step) (6-1) - Very lightly raced, he was sharp here in a grass sprint at this level July 26 in his second back from an 8 1/2 month layoff. Nearing his best, and I almost made him the top choice. Strong win threat.
3rd pick: #4 (Test Ride) (5-1) - Grey colt has always been highly thought of and is nicely spotted in his first facing winners. Son of "Zensational" broke his maiden here at this trip on Aug. 16 and ran the distance in 1:10.20. The "figure" earned makes him a threat if repeatable.
4th pick: #6 (Pulla Train) (8-1) - Another four-time winner, he's won three of his last four, and speedy gelding is moving up in class. Working fine and way too sharp to ignore.
5th pick: #2 (My Secret Affair) (15-1) - Lightly raced and well bred, he comes off an even effort in a grass sprint at this level July 26. He was almost six-lengths back of "Final Step" that day, but he was racing off an eight-month layoff. Working well since and could factor at a big price.