(# 1) LAWYER RON - Has put together one of the best seasons in recent years by any older runner. Has always had talent, and like any top animal he has reached his peak in his four-year-old season. Absolutely devastating in his pair of wins at Saratoga in the Whitney (G1) and the Woodward(G1). Anything close to either race would make him very tough in here. Lost to "Curlin" in last at Belmont around one turn, and probably would have beaten him if wound up on the outside instead of the inside. Ran well in only try here earlier this season when he was probably best. Rail draw a plus even in a small field. Will stalk about three to four lengths from the top, move up on the inside down the backstretch, and either rally on the rail or swing out if theres ample room. Good shot at the top prize.

(#3) Any Given Saturday - Thought he was the best three-year-old in the country earlier this season, but he had not peaked quite yet. Best thing that Pletcher did for him was allow him some time. Returned a better animal after the Derby, and he had a devastating win here in the Haskell (G1) in early August. Easily handled "Hard Spun" and "Curlin" that day, and think hell prove that fact again today.

(#4) Curlin - Continues to turn out top performances in every race. Since his troubled Derby run his only sub-par race was in the Haskell when our second pick handled him with ease. Great race last out when he bested "Lawyer Ron" in his first race in two months. Belmont was built for a horse like him, and hell need to be involded much earlier here as the nature of this surface doesnt play well for horses that are anywhere but in the first flight of runners.

(#8) Hard Spun - Post draw has sealed his fate here as he will have to be sent from the gate to have any chance. Capable when he gives his best, he handled "Street Sense" with relative ease when he was able to go wire-to-wire in the Kentucky Cup Classic (G2) at Turfway Park. Has proved to be very tough when he reaches the top, and I think hell get it today, but maybe not as easily as hed like it.