Top pick: #12 (PLEASANT CLOSING) - He's one of two entered here by trainer Steve Asmussen and the pair will race uncoupled. Claimed out of his debut for $23K, this colt by "Closing Argument" missed by a head that day and is brought back 4 weeks later by Asmussen and he races him where he can't lose him. New barn is 20% first off the claim and the only negative is this tough outside post.
2nd pick: #4 (Inclined to Win) - He showed good early speed lsat out before tiring in a much improved effort over his debut. In a winning barn (Bret Calhoun) and this gelding is a serious looking runner with his early speed.
3rd pick: #11 (Northwood Flyer) - The 2nd of the Asmussen pair goes turf to dirt after racing evenly here on the infield at this level August 31st. Working fine for this and he makes back to back starts for the first time. Win candidate.
4th pick: #9 (Zaptitude) - He ran well at long odds in his debut when he chased the pace in a grass race and while no match for the winner he held to finish 2nd. Moves to the dirt for trainer Allen Milligan and should make an impact.