Regal Ransom - Part of the pace scenario. Breeding suggests the mile and a quarter is probably too far. Probably leading after a mile but lucky to finish in the Super.
Pioneerof The Nile - Have never really fallen in love with this horse. First time on dirt without Bute is always a huge concern. Will be leaving him out of my exotics in an effort to help my price.
I Want Revenge - Will be using him throughout my top three spots. Trainer was clearly right about his dirt preferences. Helped greatly by the scratch of Quality Road . Hoping he doesn’t win to help the prices a bit. Probable favourite though for the public.
Papa Clem - Tries hard but I perceive him as more of a Grade 3 horse. Unlikely to hit the top four.
***Desert Party - Will be using him in top three spots. Still think he will be the best value on the board come Saturday. He is talented but the public is ruling out the Dubai horses. Will be using him to win and place if he breaks 10-1. Not the same horse people in North America saw as a 2-year-old. Bucks the negative trend and possibly wins outright.
General Quarters - Don’t like what the Churchill clockers said about his first work. Supposedly a little better second work but has beat little. Sorry, Stretch, but I went against him three months ago and I still do.
**Friesan Fire - Very quiet coverage of this horse. You get Larry Jones, a battle tested competitor, and improvement every lifetime start. While he might not be most talented in field I believe his courage puts him in the top three.
Musket Man - Always preferred this horse to General Quarters. Still the Churchill clockers believe he is clearly overmatched in here and I have to agree. Future success in Grade 3’s awaits.
Hold Me Back - Does nothing for me. Pass
West Side Bernie - Has tried all the good ones and always comes up lacking. No thanks.
Chocolate Candy - This isn’t Golden Gate anymore. Expect him to be poor value at 20 -1. Up the track.
Advice - Reaching way too high in here.
Dunkirk - You all know him now. I knew him three months ago. Yes he has a chance in here. Just think his style and lack of experience probably limit him to underside of exotics. Still cheering for him though. The Curlin comparisons are out of line.
Mine That Bird - No chance.
Flying Private - An overmatched Lukas entry. Seems I have seen this before.
Mr. Hot Stuff - Maybe out in California come summer. Not at Churchill in May.
Summer Bird - Hope springs eternal with some outfits. Outclassed by weak Oaklawn group
Join In The Dance - Enjoy the lead for a while, rabbit! You will see a lot of back-ends when the running starts.
*Take The Points - Possible late addition to field. Think he will be better on dirt and I keep hearing that Pletcher used to rank him close to Dunkirk . Clockers like his looks so maybe a third or fourth place shocker at more than 100-1.
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