Turf

1 Go Deputy 6-1

Enters off a career best, and race top, 118, but I have my reservations. They primarily involve running the top only two weeks ago on soft turf. I think this horse is going to regress big time here.

2 T. H. Approval 5-1

Believe it or not, this is my horse. Anyone that saw the Arlington Million is aware how tough The Tin Man (not entered here) can be if allowed an easy lead. He crawled early there, and left a few of the favorites here in his wake. However, the same thing happened last month at Santa Anita. Despite that, this horse was not deterred, and came running late to just miss nailing TTM who was 1 to 2 or so that day. I came away very impressed. I love this horse's versatility and determination, and will bet him.

3 Icy Atlantic 30-1

Rabbit for English Channel, nothing more.

4 Scorpion 6-1

This horse is a favorite of the Euros. Maybe it is the patriotism in me, but I can't see a horse off a one year layoff with one weak prep race in a listed stakes being ready to beat our top turfers on our courses. If he does, we are even worse than most believe.

5 Rush Bay 20-1

A few lengths too slow, with not much to recommend.

6 Cacique 4-1

Certainly exploded late to win the Man O' War a month ago. Nice consisitent figures. There are big questions about his ability to get a 12^th furlong by many that know a lot more about pedigree than I do. He could certainly win, but underlaid for me.

7 Hurricane Run 8-5

I've seen this horse in the Arc two years running. He certainly didn't look the same this year in person, and he hasn't on television either. I don't think he is getting Lasix either. If that changes, I'll upgrade my opinion of him. He could win of course, but again, underlay.

8 Better Talk Now 8-1

The winner from 2004 returns for a third time. This horse is in a bit deep now though, having lost a little bit. Only a yielding or soft turf course could make me elevate him to a possible contender.

9 Red Rocks 9-1

Lowly regarded horse in Europe. Though he finished close to the Arc winner early in the campaign, that horse has improved by leaps and bounds, while this one has not. What is with the 9-1 ML? Never seen that one before.

10 English Channel 7-2

Brings his new rabbit along for the journey, which isn't a bad idea as he was victimized a few times by painfully slow paces. Still, I don't think he is any better than a few others in here, and at a short price.

11 Silverfoot 30-1

I'd be more likely to bet the Lone Ranger's horse Silver with Tonto riding than this guy.

RECAP:

For better or worse, I've married myself to T. H. Approval in this race.