I was just thinking that this horse is likely to be ignored Saturday. Even though he's demonstrated he can win at a mile-and-a-quarter and likes the track (beaten a half length by Roman Ruler in the Dwyer). Of course, Roman Ruler was then easily beaten by Rock Hard Ten. Should we just throw out Flower Alley's last race, where he was chasing his own rabbit? I'm leaning toward Borrego, but if you draw a line through FA's last race, he looks like he could hit the board at least.

I like Flower Alley. He has some question marks, but his odds compensate for that. And he might wind up with a fairly easy lead.

As for Roman Ruler, remember that Flower Alley buried him in the Travers.

Also remember that good 3YOs still have a license to improve -- and many have on Cup day. Cat Thief and Tiznow being the latest examples. When Tiznow won in '00, 3YOs ran 1-2-3-4.

Concern is another good example -- and he barely beat another 3YO, Tabasco Cat, who was coming off a dull 4th in the JCGC.

The pace figures to be moderate,which helps Flower Alley a little bit,but at the same time he's going to be shadowed at some point by St Liam which could be problematic.

Assuming Flower Alley has a good one in him:He's going to engage or be engaged by St Liam down the backside or into the turn.If he survives that he then has to hold off RHT and then maybe Borrego or another closer.

I see St Liam at worst running a very strong 1 1/8th which won't make life easy for FA.

The key for Flower Alley imo is to draw outside of Saint Liam. Johnny can then stay right on him and keep him within striking distance. I like Flower Alley at the price he's going to be, but I don't like the fact of how rank he was in yesterday's workout. Still at probably around 10-1 or higher I don't mind taking a shot with him.