Top pick: #1 (MANTECA) - He has a big tactical advantage as he can be placed just about anywhere and be competitive. He's won two of his last three facing "open" company at Monmouth and faces fellow state-breds this afternoon. Gelding is two for two on this surface and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Giant Moon ) - Logical contender has recovered the promising form he had early in his career and he also is fond of this surface (5-3-1-0). Stalker is working sharply for this and he would be no surprise. Win contender.