Once again my expectation for the race was a disconnect. But there is still some hope. Hollendorfer's reputation hooked more than just me. His 12/1 morning line price was beaten down to 7/1 at post time on what was one of the [u]slowest horses[/u] in the race (by the TG #'s).

The two favorites [b]Bourbon Courage[/b] & [b]Zee Bros[/b] sucked up enough $$ to make the both about 5/2. While they have celebrity I just felt like one wouldn't get there and one wouldn't stay there. I selected with some part of me other than my objective eye. The third choice [b]Big Business[/b] another well known money burner (in the win position) also exerted much trainer $ magnetism. Hollendorfer ending up as 4th choice?

While several of the aforementioned celebrities could have won I suggest they were all underlays from a sheets perspective. In my imitation of a TG analysis [b]PRAETEREO[/b] almost certain to bounce, but at 20/1 as the fastest horse is worthy of a stab. [b]Javerre[/b] runs best off a rest and @ 50/1 could be included in the verticals yet may not have rested long enough. [color=#FF0000]Cutty Sark[/color] and [color=#FF0000]Souper Knight[/color] have absolutely no, nada, zero chance to compete in this one. They always run 2's they are stuck on 2's and that just isn't good enough vs stakes horses like these.

That leaves: [b]Misconnect[/b] as one who has a fair price, good trainer category route to (semi) sprint. An improving line with a question of whether he can resume improving after the last race setback. [b]Smash and Grab[/b] another whose 20/1 price is right but could react from last race top. [b]West Hills Giant[/b], consistent, slower than top ones, a better chance back with state breds than here.

Oh Yeh, [b]Perilous Indian[/b] lets just say shipping is not a good trainer category for this one. The only one slower than my pick.

[u]Jerry - You are a master of understatement - interesting race - Yes.[/u]

Congratulations to those who landed on the winner he wasn't unreasonable. For those with the exacta and/or trifecta I'm not sure what think but envious of the payoff.

For those, like myself, who burned money in foolish bets by not buying the sheets, dumb, dumb, dumb. Using the headlines, trainer notoriety and delirious memories of almosts from a big day at the breeder's cup was not a winning strategy.

ritchiebee [u]Hammer Time[/u] - I'm going to go hit myself with one a couple of times. Recuperate prior to the Southwest I hope.