On factors outside of TG, I would give some extra credit to Royal Assault. They will battle early and I think Patient Pat will have an edge in the stretch. A few of the other contenders look like they might get burned up early. To make things worse for some of the speed/press types there's a sprinter in there stretching out.

At 7-1 and up I like Royal Assault to win - based partly on his TG pattern (which makes him live) and partly on the pace scenario.

Could be a good betting race since Tapit figures to be overbet.

HP