We have a fine group of older handicap horses set to the classic mile and an eighth distance in the 2016 version of The Foster Hcp (GI), with an automatic ticket to the BC.  I hate to eat chalk but it’s going to be hard not to do it here…  Niagra looks like a mortal lock to me.  There’s some competition here, but either the pace scenario or the post position seems to make it a difficult task to get past him.  When last seen at the races, the 5yo entire was taking home a well earned win from the CT Classic (GII) in a dead heat (go figure). Now he’s been known to throw in a clunker, especially that wet track offering (I’d have to guess they would scratch), but he’s still my pick to win this with ease.

So speaking of bad posts, let’s give the second spot to Generals Companion.  I believe I put him on top in that PIM Special (GIII) race where he was third, and he was fifth in the CT Classic (GII), but he was closing at CT and tired late at PIM… so let’s hope they give the closing instructions to Velazquez and hope that he can make an impact here today.

I’m going to put Pinnacle West in the third spot here, and here’s where the pace sceanrio becomes a big no huge factor.  This boy likes to wing it on the front end, and there seems to be quite a bit of speed in here.  Some of that is cheap speed while others just like to be on or near the lead as well, which could spell troubles for this guy.  Still, with three straight graded on-the-board efforts, and perhaps a bit of odds, I’ll use him.
I could see a few others like Viking Shield, if he can overcome the ten hole, or Flashee Time who’s been off since last Oct when he ran up the track on BC Day.  It’s a good group of horses…  This should be a good one…

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Categories: Grade I