I think Chuck states a valid projection in assuming Ron will "fire". And I think that makes almost anything except Brass Hat second to him impossible for me. He is the quickest horse and doesn't have to lead, saves the ground. The only thing that isn't perfect is the fact that he has to leave and make sure he doesn't have to lead. That is the only thing against him here that I see. The dope aside, he was meant to be best of these. And as I remember from '02, nobody was waiting. Left Bank ran lights out at 7f that year, and at 9f. Wind up and FIRE.

So, he scares me here. I think he's best and while he doesn't have EVERYTHING his way, lots of it is.

Attila's Storm is clear speed and a look alike to the race against Proud Tower Too, would be a potential winner here, that distribution. If Baffert doesn't have Midnight Lute over trained, he comes at 7f. Beaten 2 by Latent Heat at 7f is not shabby. He seems like the finish to me.

At DEL, it really seems to me that JB got it right on - it's not impossible that Summer Doldrums could get lucky and get through inside, and that he wants this distance over longer. Strike the Deal "looked" outrageous last time, ran big shorter and longer. Sire is really something. I thought Nobiz Like Shobiz ran good last time, because he moved when asked late. He could easily be in the exacta and that ruins that deal for me - Strike the Deal is a deal at 7/2 here. He doesn't have to win, but Red Giant ran pretty good in CHGO.

It is a job worthy of Julien Leparoux to have to time his Price Tag finish vs her stablemate, Precious Kitten, who looks like a lock to me because she is the only speed natural to this distance. And I think Lady of Venice is obviously this generations' late move at 8f on firm ground, filly. So, losing to her a length makes you beat Price Tag? I don't see how you could bet Price Tag if she is favored. Bobby's horses can run 1-2 here. At no price.

I would love to see a very fast track and bet Attila's Storm and get 7/2 on Strike the Deal, and sit down. It will be a mark of character if I resist playing Precious Kitten, because she can't be a real deal, but "control" issues can raise their ugly heads at the end of the day, so ..discipline is good defense.