Top pick: #3 (MONTECORE) - State-bred won on the main-track here on Nov. 25 his first race in 6 1/2 months. Colt "stumbled" at the start last out at this level and finished an even fourth after rushing up into the pace after the poor getaway. Can win this from on or just off the pace.
2nd pick: #4 (Jess Not Jesse) - Talented colt hasn't raced since finishing third in a stakes here last January. Working sharply for a great layoff trainer (Linda Rice 29%) and he's a win threat.