FOCUS RACE: 7/2-Churchill 8th

[NoLuvForPletch]

My 2 cents...

1) Sinister - assuming the price is there (and based on most of the comments so far, I'm figuring it will be) I will make him my top selection. Can fire fresh (as seen in his sparkling debut beating 11 home) and is 2-2 over the CD surface. Lastly, he is a half a length shy of being undefeated in 1 turn sprints. There is enough speed signed on to make the only multiple winner in the field a big threat to catch them late. By the way, he is a scary spitting image of his Daddy, who I have a soft spot for since I bet him at Belmont in the BC Juvie.

2) War Ruler - he a tough one to figure as he was able to take advantage of wicked early fractions AND a soft field in his last, while adding blinkers. So, which one was it? Probably a combo of both, and Julien chooses him over the 1. Not a fan of MClm to nw1x but Niobrara's come back victory sells the 50k seller as better than it appears on paper. Has to be kept in the mix.

3) Coach Ryan - Amoss trainee's biggest appeal are the connections. Only beat 4 home in his MClm victory last out and couldn't have had a better trip. Cut back to 7f appealing but the connections will insure an underlay. Leaving out.

4) Niobara - stepped up last time to higher tag and came away with the victory. Would take him over War Ruler in the rematch based on his victory at today's 7f. But still like others more.

5) E Z Phone Home - most seasoned horse has had trouble finding the cameraman since debut maiden breaker at Belmont at a 2YO. Versitale sort can run on the lead, or stalk, but hasn't done his best running when it counts.

6) Dr. Nick - 4th jock in 4th career race. Will be overbet based on his Grade 3 placing 2 back, but his return effort left much to be desired.

7) Knock Out Cat - Assmussen's $410K yearling purchase endured a troubled trip in debut win over track. Short price expected for the runner with the lowest speed figure in the field. Not for me.

8) Siena Canyon - might be the longest shot in the field. Has never been 1st across the finish line and can't find a reason why that will change today.

9) Fit For A Fight - might have been short last time out after 11 month layoff at 50-1. Now asked to go longer today than ever before. Will be forwardly placed but not expecting him to be around late.

10) The Darp - it could be argued his best effort was his 2nd place finish over this track in November as he obviously didn't face much at 4-5 in his maiden breaker. Subsequently faced the likes of Pyro, Z Fortune and Visionaire early in his 3YO campaign. The back to back layoffs are cause for concern, but his class could put him there at the wire.

I'll go with this as my top 4: Sinister, The Darp, Niobrara and War Ruler.