I'll kick this off. As`I understand we're picking the equivalent of a $1 tribox so our only margin for error is in the placings, we've got to get the right 3.
I've read all the reasons not to play Dylan Thomas to win and respect those but his class is undeniable and can we leave him off altogether? I would not be inclined to.
English Channel might even vie for favoritism and again with a 2-2 at Monmouth (the last 2 UN handicaps) that's not a mystery.
I find Champs Elysees a little intriguing, it looks like he might be more forwardly placed then DT- I also acknowledge that I rarely play Monmouth, so I may be wrong in assuming that's a plus.
Its hard to see Friguy placing with this small but accomplished field.
We obviously also have 2 exchamps in the field.
I have a hard time breaking up DT and EC but could be persuaded. As this is for charity my mindset is not as great to insist on a price as it might be on my own tickets.
We seem to be agreed on DT. Also hard to leave EC out, although looking at him again, he seems to be on an every-other-race pattern lately and is due for a slower one. Still, on his slower ones, he's gotten second.
I also like Champs Elysee with his pedigree and Fabre. You know what you'll get from BTN--he'll make his run and needs the trip. Easy to imagine him getting a piece.
One I've looking at with more interest is Grand Couterier. Good races in his last pair, and he seems to want the longer distance. Could add a little juice to the exotics.
No love for Red Rocks and Frankie?
At the moment, my four horse box would be DT/EC/CE/GC, but I'll change my mind six times between now and next weekend.
We seem to be on the same page as Grand C intrigues me a bit as well. He's closed well his last two in the states, again not sure how that plays at Monmouth, though again we aren't just looking at win chances.
Looks he did not run as well his one time on a yielding turf, last I heard there was a possibility of rain, but we're still 5 days out and who knows.
Since we don't have an exact consensus, let's go with Dylan Thomas, Better talk Now and english Channel. Grand coutrier's 9-24-06 race on the yeilding turf at Woodbine is my concern given the projected weather so he is a reluctant toss.
