With the defection of Invasor, Horse of the Year is now a wide open race. As far as older horses go, Lawyer Ron has certainly thrown his hat into the ring, but he will have to defeat a very good group of three year olds in order to have any claim on HOTY.

Street SenseStreet Sense returned and had a decent win, although nothing spectacular. He beat a less than stellar field and has not done enough yet to wear the HOTY honors. He is consistent, and classy but often lacks game, as he did when Curlin and Dominican beat him to the finish line earlier this year. He is a wonder at Churchill Downs and does his best running there, but it is unwise to leave him off tickets elsewhere. He can beat the best of them on any given day.

That being said, Curlin has the mark of a real superstar, and has the tougher assignment in the Haskell. Where Street Sense had little competition, Curlin has much. Cable Boy is a Monmouth star, and it is always a good idea to watch for the local horses there. Hard Spun is also a solid colt, and a win here would certainly be no big surprise. The shorter distance won’t hurt him, and if he doesn’t get caught in a speed duel up front with XChanger, Stormello and Cable Boy he will be dangerous at the top of the stretch. If a speed duel does ensue, expect I’mawildandcrazyguy to be right there at the end. Any Given Saturday was my personal favorite for the Derby, but he threw out a clunker. He seems to be his old self again, and should finish in the top three. The horse to beat is Curlin, who was amazing during the Triple Crown races. He ran very well despite not having the seasoning many felt he needed. This is a horse that is only going to get better with time.

Rags to Riches returns on August 18th in the Alabama, but if she were to face the males again and win, she could be the first filly since Azeri to win top honors. It certainly could happen. She is talented, fast and professional. She outgamed Curlin in the Belmont, and could certainly do it again. What is even more exciting about her is that she may be around next year. The sport desperately needs a superstar and this filly could be it.

The West Virginia Derby is most interesting, as there are many three year olds in the race trying to get back on track. Zanjero is the favorite here, but why is the question. Dominican is here as well and has already beaten Zanjero. The improving Slew’s Tizzy and Song of Navorrone are also intriguing possibilities here.

Not much of a handicapper but for the West Virginia my money would be on Zanjero, Slew and Song. This race is fun for any bettor as it really is anyone’s game. As for the Haskell, I would do a superfecta boxed bet for $24 of Curlin, Hard Spun, Any Given Saturday and I’mawildcrazyguy. This race won’t have that much of a return so a super seems the only way to make some money.