What makes some of you think there will be a hot pace up front? What do you see unfolding?

There will be a hot pace because of LM, that horse will go and go, until nothing is left...Not to mention PVal on LR, that is a surprise to me, they are trying to rate him, but put a speed ball jock on him...I predict a lightening fast pace...

Call me nuts, but I see Brother Derek out in front too.

I don't think you're nuts at all. I am surprised about the jockey decision on Lawyer Ron, since I figured they were trying to teach him to rate-- do you think Pletcher gave JV the choice of who he wanted to ride?

I'm skeptical that Lava Man would be sent out to a blistering pace, but hey, call me nuts, too. I don't mind.

Lava Man doesn't have to be on the lead but he does like to be in the clear - he doesn't care to run behind horses. Being caught 2 or 3 wide on the turn is less of a problem for him than getting dirt in his face. That's why his Hollwood Gold Cup was so impressive - he won despite having to run behind horses early.

Bernardini might find himself trapped behind horses with no place to go!