Top pick: #11 (MANHATTAN JOHNNIE) (7-2) - $400K son of "Roman Ruler" looks absolutely super when winning his debut on a sloppy track going 6-furlongs at Belmont on Sept. 21st. Heavily bet that day, trainer Ed Kenneally gave him a quartet of sharp works during October, and colt draws a nice outside post at this "flat" (one-turn mile trip).
2nd pick: #12 (Cairo Prince) (4-1) - He also impressed when winning his debut at Belmont, and grey colt did it in fast time for the 6-furlongs (1:10.20). He's worked twice since, is bred to like the distance, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #10 (Grand Arrival) (15-1) - Longshot had a nice spot last out, but tired badly in the (G1) "Champagne" stakes at Belmont on Oct. 5th. Son of the recently deceased "Harlan's Holiday" has worked very fast since, and I liked the way he looked in his maiden win at Saratoga going 7-furlongs on Aug. 31st.
4th pick: #8 (Master Lightning) (8-1) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher, and the pair race uncoupled. Son of "Pulpit" broke his maiden going a 1/16th miles at Belmont on Oct. 5th, and his stalking style should fit well in this field.
5th pick: #7 (Jose Sea View) (30-1) - He's gone two for two racing on synthetic surfaces, and will be stretching out in distance and racing on conventional dirt for the first time. In a very good barn (Reade Baker), and jockey Emma-Jane Wilson is in for the mount.