This looks like a playable race. Harlan's Holiday is the heavy favorite off his big win in last. The big effort combined with the weight and the post make him vulnerable (I think I remember saying something like that about Congaree not too long ago...).

I like Blue Burner. I usually don't like to bet a horse with so many other faster horses in the race but he has a very nice line and Mott is very good second off layoff and you have to figure he was pointed for this. A new top would not be a surprise and any improvement puts him right there. He runs well at GP and the pace is likely to be hot, which should setup his closing kick.

I also like Hero's tribute. He has a solid line, is pretty fast, draws a good post with tactical speed and is one of the few contenders not coming into the race on the heels of a big effort.

There are some other fast horses but none look pointed to a good effort in my estimation.

-Windsor Castle is very solid but coming off a big effort. Still he is a contender.

-Bonus Pack is another coming off big top and the post will hurt but he also has a shot.

-Puzzlement is similar to Blue Burner but slower going in and I think less likely to improve off his last. If he does improve, he has a chance.

-Request For Parole is a bit slow and the post hurts.

- Mr. John is ouchy and coming off a top and always reacts to tops. Does draw rail though.

- Free of Love is another coming off a top.

- St. Verre is coming off a big top and the pace will likely hurt.

- Keats is an another ouchy type coming off an effort and the pace will hurt.

I plan to key Blue Burner assuming he goes off near the morning line (Mott/Bailey may drive the price down) and use Hero's Tribute heavily with him in the gimmicks and toss HH and hope for the best.

Any other opinions out there? I am sure there are as this is an interesting, competitive race.

Good luck to all.

Chris