jinlie01

I'm sticking with Abel Tasman, Wow Cat and Wonder Gadot. Abel Tasman has proven over track and class. I think she is ready for a good run with Smith aboard. Wow Cat showed she belongs and has class in her last (3rd start in US). I think she showed her potential and she might be the "Now" horse in the Distaff. Wonder Gadot is as game as they come. I know she hasn't proven to be able to beat this type but she is always there and if is indeed in the best energy then that might help her tip over for a win. Would be a nice surprise.

Wow Cat is the one to beat IMO. Last start showed she is peaking now after 3 starts in the US. Adding Abel Tasman to the mix. Like her CD win and I think she will be ready for a nice run. Has proven to be able to beat this type of field. Also adding longshot Wonder Gadot. Always right there and think she is game enough for a piece or even a possible surprise in this one.

I'm all in with McKinzie. I feel he is the best horse and IMO this isn't the strongest BC Classic field. McKinzie is definitely a candidate for a bounce but believe Baffert would not run him unless he was sound and ready. Adding longshot Thunder Snow. He won the Dubai World Cup and feel his last was a sign that he is back to form and back to his surface.

A nice article. Like every horse racing fan, wishing you the best Victor and rooting for you. Great article HRN!

It's been awhile but looking at this field I'm going with Funtastic, Johnny Bear and Focus Group. Funtastic is a versatile runner (he doe not have to be on the lead to win - he does have two wins from slightly off the pace) and I think he belongs in this group and like J. Velasquez on him. Johnny Bear is coming up similar to last year's race but I think even though he's a year older, he seems to be right there with graded stakes company and his last win seemed to show he's round into form. I feel this year's horses are not as strong as last year's running which only helps his chances. Focus Group seems to be a way better runner with the addition of blinkers and with only 10 lifetime races, has a lot of upside and should be right there if he moves forward as he has done since blinkers.

Stuart - I concur. I was referring to Hofburg's ml odds. I like Vino Rosso and like the ml odds on him. Pletcher knows how to prep for the Belmont.

If Justify prevails then the exotics are the only money maker here. Vino, Hof and Blended will be key horses in my exotics with Justify in the mix.

Vino Rosso is the top pick for me. Like Hofburg but feel he is an underlay but can't ignore with his connections and his last two were solid. Adding Blended Citizen to the mix. Blinkers have made this horse better in the last three and he has a win on sandy Belmont surface.

This is another tough Met Mile for me. I would go with Limousine Liberal (consistent, strong tactical speed and if he takes to the sandy track, he should be right there), One Liner (another consistent runner, like his one turn record and he has the right pedigree for the distance), and adding West Coast invader Ranson the Moon (turned a new leaf with D'Amato, the distance should suit, liked his recent prep after layoff).

I feel that Vino Rosso is a natural middle of the pace runner but the recent works suggest that he will be closer to the early pace. Vino needs to be closer to Justify and I think Noble Indy and some others might be pushed early to see if Justify can hold on. I didn't like Blended Citizen for the Derby but I did like him in the Peter Pan and he ran like a horse that turned a corner with blinkers added and his dirt form definitely made reversal. Not sure if he can win this but he is definitely in my exotics as well as Hofburg. Hofburg was one of my choices in the Derby and in the Florida Derby prep. Like his pedigree, Mott-trained, Juddmonte bred, etc. Don't like the 9/2 - makes him an overlay IMO but can't discard him. I'll put some money on him as well.