While women's soccer may be considered, by some thrill seekers, equally as unexciting and amateurish as women's basketball. I saw a squad play China last night which played a game the likes of which I'd never seen women play.

In all fairness, the only game I had previously viewed was USA vs Japan in the last (I think) World Cup. That one was only frustrating and did not show the skills I saw last night. I've never watched a WNBA game I imagine they are as dull as most NBA games that don't involve the World Champion Warriors.

I will say that the women opened as a 5/2 favorite and at this point I wish I'd bet them. Alas, I bet horses where the skills, strategies and teamwork are more obtuse which leads me to this weeks ROTW.

Last week we were reminded that the fastest horse usually wins. Of course it didn't but, in my view, should have. I assume Tencendur was awarded the best TG #. When one used just a little imagination per analysis a nice exacta. Kudos, typically I employ too much imagination last week too little.

This week the lesson appears KISS. Moreno is the clear choice it is claimed. Distance is no question it is asserted, he ran huge at CT then bounced in his last so naturally he is back to his peak now and probably won't need it anyway. Further it is planned to use Majestic City for something. So I am confronted by my Achilles Heel imagination/delusion. I can see the analysis horses they are as plain as day. I suppose the m/l is a function of running second last out and is in fact a benefit. Certainly a Moreno win last out would make him short priced indeed.

In considering the opinion of those who study the fine line or is it the line fine I can be influenced by Batti Man's two recent good numbers or even Hard Aces big ole zero at the beginning of the year. The prices on those two looks to be seductive in that context. However perspective tells me I've already missed the opportunity on those two. I'm also a fan of Mulhall. I think she is a first rate horsewoman and maybe a soccer fan but I don't think she gets the top horses yet. Sadler is streaky and as such can be dangerous but he really didn't beat much of a field in La. and the # looks an aberration.

My hesitance. Moreno doesn't win at a high pct. He is a grade One winner and he has a top sheet but he's winless @ 1+1/4. I'll give you getting beat by a nose in the Travers by I'll Take Charge backs up the TG point that distance is not an issue. Moreno has gone off form previously, was CT a knock out? Probably not. I wish I knew what happened to him last fall.

Among other irrelevant considerations. Majestic City, another whose sheet looks good. But, has City Zip ever sired a 1+1/4 stakes winner. We've all seen the distance humble more than a couple of brilliant milers. Same argument with Dearchy & Motown Men who sure has upped his game recently.

So in the end, why has Baffert entered Hopportunity in this race? It's been pointed out his win pct sags on short rest. Further BB seemed to avoid SoCal races with the Hopper as a three y/o methinks his off the pace running style is not enhanced by the SA surface. If that is dead money as it seems, a nice gift. Yet maybe he doesn't regress? Same can be said about Catch a Flight. Maybe he's a durable one. If memory serves some of the previous Mandella imports were iron horses.

I'll take a stand against Majestic City, siding instead,lemming like, with the crowd, using the other two short priced horses and Finnegan's Wake in trifectas under Moreno. That's as imaginative as I can get in this race.