Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (HIEROGLYPHICS) (3-1) - Colt has improved noticeably of late. $450,000 son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' broke his maiden at this distance May 27 at Gulfstream Park, then finished second at the same trip July 3 at Belmont in his first facing winners. Gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Pagliacci) (5-1) - Speedy home bred is another colt by 'Pioneer of the Nile.' Competitive in three of four on the grass, he finished third last out at Belmont and was just under a length in back of 'Hieroglyphics.' He should be involved every step and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Surprise Twist) (12-1) - Lightly-raced colt ships from Laurel where he rallied for his maiden win at this distance June 30. Very good mid-Atlantic based barn (Arnaud Delacour) always wins a few at this meet and this promising 3-year-old should be finishing fast following a ground saving trip from his inside post.
4th pick: #6 (Painter's Rags) (8-1) - Freshened up since Feb. 3, $175,000 son of Belmont Stakes (G1) winner 'Union Rags' is making his grass debut. Very lightly-raced, he's working steadily at Fair Hill in Maryland and it's noted that trainer Graham Motion has John Velazquez aboard.