Was closing fast last out when fourth in the Whitney (GI) over this track and at the distance.  He just missed in last year’s BC Classic so you don’t have to go through his resume’ to know that he’s a damned good horse.  Expect more of the same here, and hope that he doesn’t get so far back this time around… if he’s within 4-5 lengths, then he should be in the picture late.

Fifth in the Whitney (GI) and he’s still looking for his first win of the season.  He’s been close in a bunch of graded races, but just doesn’t seem to have that thing to get him to the winner’s circle.  The issue for me is I’m not sure his best will get it done in this one.  So with that being said, expect him to get his picture taken today. 

Was third in the Whitney (GI) beaten a length but he hasn’t seen the picture booth since his first start of ’15 and that was a DH back in Feb.  He’s been third or fourth in his other starts and although that might get a small portion today, I don’t think you can look at him as a major contender – I know, I know… those are all GI/GII races.  I’m probably a dope.

Was on the TC Trail there for a while and has had a couple of less than perfect races since…  he was second in the Sir Barton at PIM but then couldn’t get the job done v. NL2 Alw company at WO last out.  Another 60-day break and another try at getting back at it.  I’ll have to look at some others here today.

Looked good taking the SD Hcp (GII) last out where the surf meets the turf… or what ever.  He’s been sold in graded races since the beginning of the year, and hasn’t missed a check in any of those starts.  He doesn’t have a published work since the last race and I’m not a big fan of that, but this barn will work em at the farm and then go big… so give him a serious look.

Narrow victory last out at WO in the Seacup (GIII) and that was his first graded win of his twenty-two race career, so he’s made his money the old fashioned way.  I just don’t know if he has enough to get it done in this group, even though I think he’s a horse that running as well as he ever has.

Broke maiden in May and hasn’t been beaten since – four in a row including the Cougar Hcp (GIII) at DMR last out and that was going the marathon mile and a half distance.  He won the ALB Hcp at today’s distance prior to that, so this isn’t outside of his comfort zone.  He may have some odds as well, so if you like him, it’s a good betting race.

Sixth in the Whitney (GI) with quite a few of who he will be facing again in this one… He hasn’t won since San Antonio (GII) back in Feb but does have a couple of runner-up efforts in graded company.  He will need his best for any part of this, especially with the post draw.  I do like his tactical speed, which could help him overcome the bad gate draw.