Note: Heat index of 118 degrees/PETA standing by to condemn the sport of kings and queens should anything gruesome occur on national TV--first of all I pray everyone horse and human comes out alive and unharmed.

THE RACE

I think Max is beatable though betting against Servis is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute; you're hoping for the best which often doesn't pan out.

I like Mucho Gusto--I feel he's matured and learned to relax and will post his breakout performance as will Talamo on national TV. He can probably stalk or even be sent, though I'd prefer stalking at this point--Talamo will need to watch the track to see if it is heavily speed favoring, which it might be.

King for a Day is the most likely second place finisher--he's run well in his last two, and is training great--I wonder of Johnny must send??? He seems strong enough to go early and press on. I may also use him to win in multi-race exotics.

Everfast would seem to be getting a great set up with all the speed, but closers don't fare well in the Haskell, and he gets over heated at time. I could see him closing for a decent slice of the pie though.

I'm taking a stand against Max-I don't see any improvement since the spring; he is the fastest thusfar, but outside post with some other speeds in here to me make him vulnerable at low odds. If I'm wrong don't hate me; I don't always guess right with Servis.

Joevia is a nice horse but seems to need the lead and relax, which he won't get to do here; the race flow goes against him. I don't believe Spun and Bethelehem are fast enough at this point.

Good luck and say a Hail Mary that no one dies; I'm serious here.