This is a very tricky race featuring horses coming together from a variety of races and class levels. The two who figure to attract the most support are coming out of the same $40,000 claimer on July 21. Forge (1) finished second and was claimed out of that spot by Mike Maker, who does not have the strongest numbers off the claim with dirt horses. I thought that Forge had every chance to win last time, as he was able to stalk the slow pace from close range outside. He got there in the lane and just couldn’t quite seal the deal. Now he has to stretch out to seven furlongs, which would appear to suit his rival J S Bach (4) better. The latter runner got a weird trip last time, as he was up close early, dropped back, and came again outside. I believe he’s the horse to beat today as he goes out for top trainer Jason Servis. I’m using him, but there are others to consider at better prices.

The one I prefer is DADDY D T (6), who gets some needed class relief after facing tougher in his last two starts. It took a few races for Charlton Baker to get this horse back on track after claiming him at Aqueduct, but he has been in excellent form in recent months. He ran well to win at this level in May and then put forth a solid effort against much tougher company in June. I know his last race looks like a step in the wrong direction, but he lost all chance when he broke poorly, putting him at the back of a compact field behind a slow pace. This time, he’s drawn well outside, and he should be forwardly placed in a situation where the Pace Projector is favoring runners on or near the lead.