Top pick: #1 (SILVER MAX) (2-1) - Speedy veteran is nearing the $2M mark in earnings, and this 5-year-old draws the rail for this attempt. He won his seasonal debut in late June at Churchill Downs and was a winner here last August in the (G2) "Bernard Baruch" in his only previous local appearance. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Sayaad) (5-1) - Much improved over the past year, this $450K colt by "Street Sense' enters off a career best figure when he went wire-to-wire in a $144K stakes going a mile at Belmont on July 4th. Four-year-old has stalking ability and that will come in handy with "Max" intent on making the lead. Strong contender.
3rd pick: #6 (Grand Arch) (6-1) - One of two entered by Canadian-based trainer Brian Lynch and the pair race uncoupled. This steady performer has a fine overall grass record (13-4-4-5), and is 4-1-2-1 at this mile trip.
4th pick: #3 (Jack Milton) (7-2) - No-speed type has been freshened up since June 14th at Santa Anita when he rallied while very wide to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths in the (G1) "Shoemaker Mile." His lack of any early speed is an issue and he would need a fast and/or contested pace to develop for anything more than a minor award.