Top pick: #7 (WICKED STRONG) (2-1) - I had him on top last out in the Belmont Stakes (G1), and thought he may have been best. Son of "Hard Spin" was fanned seven-wide turning for home and was only beaten 1 1/2 lengths by today's rival "Tonalist." Working well for this, he's using this as his "prep" for the Travers Stakes (G1), and can take this with his best.
2nd pick: #4 (Tonalist) (8-5) - Lightly raced colt stayed on gamely to upset the Belmont Stakes last out. Speed/stalker has gone 4-3-1-0 this year and appears to be the main speed with the late scratch of #1 Cousin Stephen. Obvious win candidate, and I could have easily made him the top selection.
3rd pick: #2 (Legend) (12-1) - Lightly raced, well bred, and this $250K son of "Tiznow" is still improving. He's been working fast locally for the past seven weeks, and has more speed than most. He has the inside advantage and has the best chance of upsetting the top two picks.
4th pick: #5 (Kid Cruz) (5-1) - No speed type may be at a disadvantage with the projected moderate pace that should develop into the first turn. Strong closer will need a quick and contested pace for anything more than a minor award.