I won't be betting this race but it's certainly a very interesting affair and a talented field. Purely from a sporting perspective it's one of the most interesting races of the year to-date.
Fort Larned - He's a nice horse although his best final time numbers were earned loose on the lead last out and gate-to-wire on a speed favouring surface in the BC Classic. He won this race last year rating in third early but Cross Traffic is a faster and classier animal than the two sub-G1 horses that Fort Larned blew past on the turn last year. Still deserves top billing.
Ron The Greek - He can pick up the pieces late. But he's never got up for the win over genuine horses. Good chance to hit the exotics but I don't love him for the top spot.
Alpha - Ability question, form question, but he loves Saratoga and he did smack the gate open before his last race which usually is a death knell for a horse's win chances. Rosario sees fit to ride. Upset possibility.
Mucho Macho Man - Was it just the off tracks that have thrown him off form? Maybe, but the appearance of front wraps for his two subpar efforts and a five-month layoff between them makes me wonder if this guy's best days are gone. He certainly has the proven past ability, though. Dicey. Could finish anywhere from first to last.
Cross Traffic - Fast, talented miler but I don't foresee him enjoying the extra furlong, especially since Fort Larned figures to hound him-- very different from getting a clear lead with the unremarkable Handsome Mike as the closest pursuer in the Met. I'd toss this horse from the exactas at a short price. He does figure to make Fort Larned's task tougher.
Successful Dan - Has some running style versatility and he did win over Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man once last year. But backing a 7YO to win its first G1 is generally a bad idea. Don't be fooled by the trouble line in the Foster; it only cost him a couple of lengths, he would've been soundly trounced regardless.
Fast Falcon - Can run some late but this guy is win-shy and hasn't proven himself at this level of competition. More likely for a piece than on top. ONe plus is that he's bred to improve with maturity.
Czaba - Not a G1 horse and not in top form. My only unconditional toss.