I'm relaxing today got some mates droppin in to cheer me up. They're all pretty ADHD. But I don't think they understand how depressed I am. I'll keep being happy because of they're precance. But I really want toparticipate. The TN leaves me to fatigued to do anything. They wanna play laser skirmish in the backyard.

They also got some gun powder so we can make some experiments. ;)

but with all these people come all this panic so I took some Clonaz for my face. And yes It works A1 for the TN attacks. It's a really good TN drug.  Then I took some Valium to top off the anxiety I'm close to feelin like bein a trouper in the backyard hey I'll have a big gun. Least I'll feel bit more powerful. Gotta fight right. If only for fun.

Peace forever,

NW

Sorry F***  the contract tonight!!!

As for my pain 'management' Ever since I saw the hospital specialist I've been in more pain then ever. Luckily about a month ago I started taking a mushroom supplement called'Ganaderma' and it seems to have relaxed my quite alot I don't really know if it's reducing attacks yet.

My doc has sent me to a new doctor who handles chronic pain so this time I should be out of the woods and living a near ppain free life. I focus on the day I will wake up and feel free from attacks or at least have fewer attacks. That way my mind is focused on the best and ONLY outcome.

The depression well it comes and goes. I think if happy is 10 and sad is 5 Im about 3 most of the time. mainly due to the pain getting in the way of everything I love and enjoy. So even when I am happy (6) I don't have much motivation to get the paints out or clean the dance floor.

My only real help these days medically is tylonol3s (panadeine 30) valium and stillnox. The T3's are ok but no where near the realief I had from Oxycontin (long lasting painkiller). The valium helps my face alot and reduces most anxiety.  And of course because I only sleep 3-4 hours a night Stillnox is the go works every time. Even half a tablet works. The doc said it was better because it's not addictive like Temazepam (but costs 2 dollars a tablet!!! jeeeesh). Well I'm very happy with the stillnox it doesnt leave me with a hangover and lets me drift to sleep as soon as I lie down. I don't even remember nightmares.

I've been trying to paint again lately (stuggling) I think I have the guts to post my pics now so next blog will be some of my works.

Peace,

Nightworrier

So funny!

Part 1: Marvel Heroes | Part 2: Marvel Teams | Part 3: Marvel Villains | Part 4: DC Heroes | Part 5: DC Teams | Part 6: DC Villains | Part 7: Miscellaneous

MAGNETO

Portrayed by: Ian McKellen [X-Men, X-2, X-Men The Last Stand] (2000, 2003, 2006) 

I was pretty disappointed to find out that they got aging actor Ian McKellen to play Magneto since in the comics, the character was quite imposing and physical. The costume was changed too, I guess, to fit the older version of Magneto in the movie and the flowing cape/gown made him look more regal.
 

MYSTIQUE

Portrayed by: Rebecca Romjin [X-Men, X-2, X-Men The Last Stand] (2000, 2003, 2006) 

As far as I know, Mystique kept her clothes on in the comic books. But who's complaining if we get to see Rebecca Romjin semi nude (and all-nude in her death scene in The Last Stand)?! Still the question is if you could, would you?

PYRO

Portrayed by: Aaron Stanford [X-2, X-Men: The Last Stand] (2000, 2003, 2006) 

I'm guessing they chose to use the Pyro character so that Iceman would have a Ying to his Yang. Frankly, Pyro is an old, outdated, cheesy character so I understand why the changed him drastically for the movie. Aaron Stanford played the annoying, obnoxious part perfectly.

SABRETOOTH

Portrayed by: Tyler Mane [X-Men] (2000); Liev Schreiber [X-Men Origins: Wolverine] (2009)

I remember seeing the trailers for the first X-Men and thinking "Oh my god, Sabretooth looks awesome!" And I wasn't disappointed. But instead of the interesting contrary to Wolverine we get a really dumb brute in the movie. 

As you can see I included a behind-the-scenes photo of Liev Schreiber who will play the role of Sabretooth in the upcoming Wolverine flick. I'm guessing they've decided to water down his animalistic side this time.

TOAD

Portrayed by: Ray Park [X-Men] (2000) 

Another ancient character resurrected for the movie. I'm beginning to think that the producers decided to use unintersting side characters as not to take away from the main protagonists and antagonists. Having said that, I thought Ray Park was great as Toad (just as he made Darth Maul one of the best villains ever!).

CALLISTO

Portrayed by: Dania Ramirez [X-Men: The Last Stand] (2006) 

I don't know much about Callisto. All I know is she was played in the movie by the curiously hot Dania Ramirez.

JUGGERNAUT

Portrayed by: Vinnie Jones [X-Men: The Last Stand] (2006)  

I love Vinnie Jones. He's a 'ard c#nt so his casting here was fitting. The costume was well done and the muscle make-up was great. The helmet, already phallic looking in the comics, was made even more ridiculous in the movie.

LADY DEATHSTRIKE

Portrayed by: Kelly Hu [X-2] (2003) 

Another drastic design change for the movie which looks nothing like the comic book version. She's played by Kelly Hu though so who gives a shit if its faithful to the comics?!?

KINGPIN

Portrayed by: Michael Clarke Duncan [Daredevil] (2003)

I don't care if Michael Clake Duncan was the biggest man they could find to play Kingpin. That doesn't change the fact that Kingpin is caucasian and Mr. Duncan is not.

RED SKULL

Portrayed by: Scott Paulin [Captain America] (1990)

I remember watching this movie as a kid and thinking the make-up effects for Red Skull were awesome. Looking at the photo here makes me wanna change my mind but nostalgia often wins when you're getting on with age like I.

BULLSEYE

Portrayed by: Colin Farrell [Daredevil] (2003)

I saw this movie once. I fell asleep half-way. So whether Colin Farrell played the character well is something I cannot say. The bullseye body mutilation on his forehead is pretty disturbing though.

DR. DOOM

Portrayed by: Julian McMahon [Fantastic Four, 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer] (2005, 2007)

You can't really go wrong with this costume as it's really just a fancy tunic and cloak and an iron mask.

Ok so we're done with the Marvel side of things. Watch out for the next installment of this feature where we will go through the DC universe.

2-3-4

1-3-4

Those are the three ways in which you can find yourself one horse removed from a healthy return on a $6 trifecta box, and I've seen my fair share of each over the past two months. Need I remind anyone that the Great Trifecta Dust Bowl of 2008 yet subsists?

It is the eve of Diez y Seis, and, while my celebratory measures aren't much of a departure from, well, any other night's Carta Blanca-Juarez Gold-induced stupor, I am filled with something more than cheap booze. As the steady thuds of gunpowder charges tumble across the Rio Grande, I cry, Viva Mexico! Viva Hidalgo! Viva Golden Yank!

This Saturday, Yanqui Dorado returns to Louisiana Downs, my new home away from Sunland Park, for the $500,000 Super Derby. Other probables include Macho Again, Real Appeal and Pelican State-bred Star Production. I also wouldn't be surprised if Man Named Sue finds his way into one of those undercard races.

Can't you see? $500,000, Louisiana Downs, Golden Yank, the revolutionary fervor of Diez y Seis: it all translates to great juju for this weekend.

Commentator Deprives Super Derby of Pyro

To keep Commentator out of the winner's circle following the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Sufflok Downs, Asmussen is apparently throwing every horse he can muster at the Whitney-wiring seven-year-old. Zanjero, Student Council, Magna Graduate, and Pyro, who was removed from the list of Super Derby probables, are all nominated for Saturday's feature.

http://pyroatpsi.blogspot.com/

I have to tell you, when Bryan Singer, the director of the first two X-Films, left to direct Superman Returns, I was a little concerned about the fate of our favorite mutants.  I don't have any antagonistic feelings toward the replacement director, Brett Ratner, like so many people seemingly do, but I believed the quality would drop just a hair because Singer was so loyal to the source material. 

Ratner, on the other hand, is loyal to making a summer blockbuster.

What I mean by that is that X3 is an entertaining, fast-paced, short, action-filled thrill ride.  What it is not is an in-depth story with well-rounded characters.  In fact, Ratner seemed to feel quite comfortable with breaking routine X-Convention, especially any foundation the first two films laid.

That is part of what made this film so fun, but also part of what made it so frustrating.  Let's just get a big spoiler out of the way:  Ratner kills off some major, major characters in X3.  So many big characters that an X4 seems pretty unlikely.  The heart of the X-Men are gone, and they were gone pretty early into the film.  That being said, I knew then and there that all bets were off and no one was off-limits.  That certainly increased the tension and suspense for my movie going experience.

But, the deaths of the characters were so out of place, so out of character, they truly seemed forced and rushed.  And that is my ultimate summation of X3-forced and rushed.  It had great moments, some were actually genius, but overall the film had many, many holes.  The sheer number of heroes and villains required four hours of story to avoid any shortcomings, and as the film lasted only an hour and forty-five minutes, well, you can imagine how crammed things got.

However, what worked, and worked wonderfully, were the special effects.  If you want to see these mutants using their powers in all the glory of your wildest imaginings, you will not be disappointed in X3.  It truly felt like a comic book come to life.  You get to see the powers of Iceman, Beast, Phoenix, Colossus, Shadowcat, Pyro, Magneto, and Juggernaut in their full glory, just the way you want to see them.  The only problem is you just don't get to see enough of them.

Would I recommend this film?  You bet I would.  The spectacle and special effects alone are worth it.  The acting of Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammar, and Patrick Stewart are top-notch for those moments where they're actually allowed to act.

I think if you are a hardcore X-Fan you will be very disappointed with the directions they took with some of the characters in X3, but if you look at it as just another summer action movie, you'll be more than entertained.

Three guesses how this experiment ultimately is going to end:

1. Flame Hands will inspire a new generation of mad scientists dedicated to replicating video game/superhero technology in their garages. Up next: Some kid in Detroit invents Doc Ock's killer robot arms and seeks revenge on all the jocks who bullied him in high school.

2. While vacationing in the Amazon Rainforest, Flame Hands discovers an ancient lost tribe of indigenous people who have never had contact with the outside world. Because of his strange costume and his ability to juggle fire, the tribe immediately hails Flame Hands as their God. Flame Hands enjoys a prosperous 10-year reign that ends in disaster when he is swallowed whole by that giant fucking snake from Anaconda.

3. Flame Hands melts his entire face off. No one is surprised.

[via Kotaku]

Big Brown promptly lost the Belmont. Later in the year, Curlin finished second in the Man o' War.

But not to worry. The East Boston track had made a stipulation for such losses. If Curlin and Big Brown lost a race, but were still added to the Mass Cap field, then the purse would *only* be bumped up to $3,000,000. Shucks, huh?

Irrelevant question: Why hasn't this been brought up again since the Belmont?

Irrelevant, since Curlin and Big Brown now have their separate schedules, and neither involves a trip to Massachusetts. But don't put down your Sam Adams just yet. The Mass Cap is shaping up to be the kind of race that could redirect some much needed attention to the historic oval. Recognize any of these nominees?

• Student Council - trained by Steve Asmussen, who also trains Curlin, winner of the Grade 1 Pimlico Special earlier this year (the same race in which Seabiscuit pulled away from War Admiral by four lengths in 1938)
• Pyro - also trained by Asmussen, one of the early favorites to win the Kentucky Derby, has not fared well recently, but always finishes strong
• Commentator - trained by Nick Zito, sharp seven year old gelding who won the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga on July 26 and the Grade 2 Richter Scale Handicap at Gulfstream Park on March 8

The prospect of a Commentator show in East Boston is not simply the result of coinciding schedules or fortunate timing. The hard-luck track garnered the attention of those in the industry with a love for horses and a working conscience when it implemented its new policy on horse slaughter earlier this year. Under the new policy, any trainers found to have sold a horse for slaughter will have all their stalls revoked and will be denied any stalls at any time in the future. Nick Zito, for one, was pleased.

"I like what Richard Fields[, the largest shareholder of Suffolk Downs,] does for horses," said Zito. "The owners of Suffolk Downs are humanitarians and are doing what they can to rescue horses, and I believe strongly in what they are trying to accomplish" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/96768.html).

The noteworthy three year old Mambo in Seattle was also nominated to the race, but his trainer Neil Howard recently decided to enter him in the 1 1/8 mile Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on the same day. He wanted to keep the ever improving colt racing against other three year olds. While that may have been a more reasonable decision, running in the Mass Cap would have been the better one. This horse has four wins and three seconds in eight lifetime starts. His last five races have been a string of improvements, culminating in a game second place finish to Colonel John (literally by an eyelash) in the Travers Stakes on August 23. Mambo in Seattle would have bettered all competition in the Mass Cap, experienced or not.

But a race with Commentator is still one worth watching.

T. D. Thornton began his book Not By a Long Shot with the words, "Suffolk Downs is built on a dump."

Does anyone want to pay me to take out their trash? A round trip ticket to Boston on September 20 will provide sufficient remuneration.

Ill post a link here later so you all can keep reading, if there are any readers.

Wordpress doesnt offer very much flexibility unless i throw my hard earned money at them. People shouldnt have to pay to tell others about their lives :D

-Pyro

P.S.-Any tips on which blog i should go to? I want something that could possibly host a front page or home page. I need to start adding links and things to other places and possibly start a blog roll or webring

I would like valve to remove the sniper class, the excellent meet the sniper will be missed, but i do feel though that he needs to be replaced with something with the same sort of strengths and weaknesses but with more creative opportunities and thought based combat.

Any ideas? Maybe a Mortar Class, You have to setup your mortar and stay hidden whilst you estimate where your shells will land for stealth and try to adjust to the enemy. Or fire a couple of aiming rounds to get a feel for where they will land, you have a minimum range and damage is based on the size of the target, therefore heavies will take the most damage and are highly vulnerable to them.  You can look through your aiming sight to get a better aim but are even more vulnerable to being attacked so need team support to stay alive. They do fair damage to sgs and other classes.

I feel this class fits in with the ideals of TF2, there is great opportunity to make it fun and creative whilst fitting with the current classes. They don't have the short range capabilities of the demo and soldier (the other explosive classes) so they shouldn't take away the existing roles.

He could keep the Snipers melee and secondary weapon, and if he was updated you can always add different shells (IE flare ones). I think it would be much easier to get fun new weapons for the mortar class rather than the sniper.

Scorch, from the Pyrus & Scorch Show - New York Renaissance Fair

Nikon D3    24-70mm f/2.8    @ ISO 800    Fill-flash

Later in the week I will post a gallery of our Renaissance Fair photos.

This is Luther Horine. He's been doing pyro with this company for more than thirty years, with his dad for twenty before that, and for the Redskins for the last five or six.

What caught my attention wasn't the man, but the board he's sitting behind. It looks like a cross between a kid's woodburning set and a board with a bunch of pegs in it, and it completely does not fit in with the rest of the modern accessories on the football sidelines.

First thing to do, of course, is set the actual pyrotechnics in the endzone.

"The first thing I have to do," Horine said, pointing to the top right corner of the board, "is turn the key in here and flip the switch to operate."

"It's so that if this thing slips like this," he said, brandishing something that looked like a soldering iron and running it along the pegs in the board, "I don't set off everything at once. This board can do up to three hundred separate fires."

Then he pressed the soldering iron against one of the pegs. "This is the next step."

"And THEN," he said, with the air of someone who is vaguely amused by the level of precaution he has to take, "I have to press and hold down this deadman switch. That's when the pyro goes."

The whole contraption is powered by something that looks like a battery built by a lumberjack.

So, this board looks pretty old. "Oh, it is," he said, smiling as if the machine were an old friend.

How old? "It's seen some years. We've got newer equipment, but this one works well enough."

Are you ever concerned about lighting a guy on fire? "Not really. The main concern is filling the whole stadium with smoke. It's pretty much just a big bowl, you know?"

That's all well and good, and Luther seems like he loves his job and takes it seriously. But looking at that crazy nailboard again, I'm glad Will Norman's down there reminding the players that there's pyro in the endzone.

Will try a little psionics and then jot some stuff into this junk i call a blog

-pyro :)

My little poltergeist effect is that my TV comes on when i enter the room and goes on and off while i stay in my room.

not very fun if trying to enjoy a movie or tv show.

any comments?

-Pyro

My condolences to those who had Mambo In Seattle and thought they had won the race, only to be denied by the photo-finish camera. I've been on the wrong end of several photos this meet, and it seems as if there is no such thing as a dead-heat at Saratoga. The placing judges are separating the horses by the thinnest of margins -- just ask the connections of Lemon Drop Mom in Friday's Personal Ensign S. (G1).

Indyanne was very unlucky to lose the Victory Ride S. (G3). She is clearly a super-nice filly. My recommend price-play, Porte Bonheur, won and paid $24.60.

My old friend Distorted Reality was in a good stalking position, but failed to quicken when the real running started and finished unplaced in the Bernard Baruch H. (G2).

I ended up playing Desert Key to win in the King's Bishop S. (G1), and he ran well, finishing a good second after a compromised, off-the-pace inside trip. He is definitely a serious sophomore sprinter.

*****

On today's card, which features several good races, including the Ballerina S. (G1) for fillies and mares, I might take a close look at Hatta Fort (GB) in the third. The Godolphin colorbearer is way overdue to clear his second allowance condition.

In the fifth, the Neil Howard-trained Wending and Lantern (who is a main-track-only entrant), are intriguing longshots at 20-1 on the morning line.

In the sixth, an excellent field of two-year-old fillies will go postward. First timers Nika (Kiaran McLaughin), A. P. Elegance (Steve Asmussen), Cheering (Shug McGaughey), Heavenly Vision (Bob Baffert), Shine Softy (James Toner), Amazon Lily (David Carroll), and Sara Louise (Dale Romans) are hard to separate.

In the eighth, Dress Parade, who is 30-1 on the morning line, will make her first start on turf. She is out of a Lord At War (Arg) mare and could factor at a price.

In the tenth, the Ballerina, the Bobby Frankel-trained Jibboom, is an interesting turn-back, off-the-turf sort. She will be making her first start on a dirt track in the seven-furlong event, but she won the Raven Run S. (G2) at Keeneland and could surprise at 12-1 on the morning line.

*****

After Prussian knocked out one entry yesterday, there are 13 live entries remaining in the Saratoga SHOWdown contest.

*****

Another delightful day is on tap weather-wise at the Spa. It was fair and 77 degrees with a dew point of 65 at 12:05 p.m. (EDT). There is a 20 percent chance of rain.

In the seventh, I am drawn to Prussian. Normally a front runner, the Bill Mott trainee displayed a completely new dimension when he was taken back off the early pace, rated kindly, then closed nicely for runner-up honors to Luck Money in the Majestic Light S. last out. He returns in a second-level allowance event and should be hard to keep off the board.

In the eighth, which kicks off an all-graded-stakes Pick 4 with a guaranteed pool of $1 million, the undefeated Indyanne is the horse to beat. She is not that fast away from the gate, but she quickly accelerates into a high cruising speed and has yet to be tested in any way. What I like the most about her is that she doesn't get nervous when other horses are in front or around her. She simply gallops away as smooth as a pearl.

A longshot to consider is Porte Bonheur, who finished well to capture the Flanders S. at this track and trip in her last start. She is 8-1 on the morning line. Sly Storm is another useful sort who has the advantage of the outside post.

In the ninth, anyone who knows me knows that I have always liked Distorted Reality (see previous posts). In his most recent outing, the Todd Pletcher trainee was checked sharply midway around the far turn before finishing with interest to run a close fourth at 24-1 in the Fourstardave H. (G2). I think this horse is way overdue to be a graded stakes winner. In fact, he is less than three lengths shy of being undefeated in three graded stakes on the turf at Saratoga. I plan to wheel him on top with everything in the trifecta.

His primary contender could be Thorn Song, who finished a nose in front of him in the Fourstardave. The Dale Romans trainee looms as the controlling speed -- if jockey Julien Leparoux chooses to use it.

If you throw out his last race, Proudinsky must be respected. A longshot to consider is Yate's Black Cat, who advanced nicely on the far turn before finishing a game second from between foes in the Sea o' Erin H. at Arlington Park last out. He is 15-1 on the morning line.

In the tenth, J Be K is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the King's Bishop S. (G1), but he could be vulnerable in this spot. After back-to-back daylight victories in the Jersey Shore S. (G3) and Woody Stephens S. (G2), the Steve Asmussen trainee will be facing a class test. There is plenty of other speed present, so I recommend caution.

I am intrigued by Desert Key, who is a big, good-looking creature. The James Jerkens trainee went right to the front and set fast fractions while opening up a clear lead around the turn with his rider sitting chilly, then turned for home under a hand ride before dueling with, and losing a photo to, Kodiak Kowboy in the Amsterdam S. (G2) last out. He breaks on the rail and gets a rider change to John Velazquez.

Kodiak Kowboy and Lantana Mob, who are coupled in the wagering, are both in with a shot. Either of these Vinery sophomores are come-from-behind threats. A longshot to consider is Silver Edition.

The 139th running of the Travers S. (G1), the so-called "Mid-Summer Derby" for three-year-olds, is the marquee race of the meet. The 1 1/4-mile main track test appears to be a wide-open event, but I had no trouble landing on Pyro. Right behind him I like Court Vision, and to a much lesser extent, Cool Coal Man and Colonel John.

Pyro was one of three horses I liked in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) (the others being Big Brown and Adriano), but like many others, he never had a chance. I see no reason to abandon him now.

After the Derby, the Steve Asmussen trainee returned with a solid stalk-and-pounce victory in the Northern Dancer S. (G3). In his most recent start, he was way back early, advanced nicely on the outside around the far turn, then closed determinedly in the stretch, finishing a close second to Macho Again in the Jim Dandy S. (G2). He is a gutsy little thing with a big late kick, and despite being the 7-2 morning line favorite, should offer good value. I plan to wheel him on top with everything in the trifecta.

Court Vision, a solid closer who never seemed to put it all together earlier this season, was remarkable in his second start on the turf in the Virginia Derby (G2). The Bill Mott pupil ran along the inside in a pocket, had to wait momentarily turning for home, then split horses and finished gamely while on even terms with division leader Gio Ponti. If my budget allows, I will also wheel him on top with everything in the tri.

I thought Cool Coal Man ran a good race for third behind Big Brown in the Haskell Invitational (G1), and as everyone knows, trainer Nick Zito is always dangerous in these top-level events. He will no doubt be equipped with jar caulks. Colonel John was widely considered to be the best three-year-old on the west coast earlier this year and must be respected.

ESPN will provide live coverage from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. (EDT).

Good luck to one and all.

*****

In Saratoga Springs, it was fair and 75 degrees with a dew point of 58 at 11:45 a.m. There is only a 10 percent chance of rain.

The field for the 1 1/4 miles G1 Travers:

1. Tale of Ekati  (E. Prado) 20/1
2. Colonel John (G. Gomez) 8/1
3. Da' Tara (A. Garcia) 8/1
4. Tizbig (C. Velasquez) 30/1
5. Macho Again (J. Leparoux) 6/1
6. Cool Coal Man (J. Velazquez) 15/1
7. Amped (J. Chavez) 30/1
8. Harlem Rocker (E. Coa) 4/1
9. Mambo in Seattle (R. Albarado) 5/1
10.  Tres Borrachos (T.Baze) 15/1
11.  Pyro (S.Bridgmohan) 7/2*
12.  Court Vision (K. Desormeaux) 12/1

Let's start with a feel for how the pace sets up.  Looking at the race on paper we appear to have the makings of a speed duel between Belmont Stakes winner Da' Tara and Tizbig. In other words a showdown could be brewing between a pair of Tiznow colts, who are known for having quite a bit of fight in them.  Add to that the fact that the two are posted eyeball to eyeball in the 3 and 4 holes, respectively, and it looks like we've got a battle on our hands up front early on.  I'll be honest, I'm not sure which one is quicker.  Da' Tara would appear to need the lead a bit more, but Tizbig is stepping up in class and will likely need to be fairly quick out of the gate. 

This should set things up for one of the runners coming off the pace. The question is who might get too close if a speed duel occurs and who might find themselves having some late traffic trouble?  Pyro is favored at 7/2, but I'm betting that won't be the case at post time.  The two horses everyone is talking about are Todd Pletcher's Harlem Rocker and the Neil Howard trained Mambo in Seattle.  I'd tend to agree that they look like the pair to beat on paper.

We'll start with Harlem Rocker.  He graces the cover of the Saturday Daily Racing Form.  The impressive son of Macho Uno has run up a 4 for 5 lifetime record on his way to $445,000 in earnings.   The win that sticks out is the Grade 3 Withers where he defeated J Be K by 2 1/2 lengths and earned a 106 Beyer figure.  However, the race that most horseplayers are focusing on is his last effort.  While the 90 Beyer speed figure in the Prince of Wales may not seem like a winner on paper, it's important to note that Harlem Rocker fought back in the stretch and refused to go down in defeat.  That's big.  He strikes me as a colt with a lot of upside that we probably haven't seen the best from.

Mambo in Seattle is a fast improving son of Kingmambo who will be piloted by Robby Albarado.  I know a lot of people are picking this guy and I can see why.  Let me just make the argument though that despite the sexy improving Beyer figures, that this is a horse "classing up", potentially quite a bit.  This of course despite the fact that I don't think this year's 3-year-old crop was on par with those of recent memory.  Collectively I think this field will give him all he can handle, and he's going to have to earn it if he's to prevail. 

Pyro is a shaky favorite in my opinion.  Don't get me wrong.  I love the guy.  He was one of my favorites leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and I thought the Jim Dandy was a lock for him. Unfortunately he was upset by Macho Again, who will 6 lanes to his inside at the start of the race.  I'd look for a better performance from Pyro.  This is a battle tested member of this field, from his races against 2-year-old champion War Pass as a juvenile to his victories in the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, and Northern Dancer.   I think he'll turn the tables on Macho Again today, but I'm a bit worried drawing the outside might leave him ducking in to save ground early on and then encountering some traffic problems if/when the field starts coming back to him.  He's a player and he can win this thing with a solid run, but I'll pass on the morning line favoritism and go with Harlem Rocker for the win.

As for the rest of the field, yeah...I guess I've got to own up to it everytime this guy runs.  Fine - I was a Colonel John guy going into the Derby. There, I've said it.  In my defense I had Big Brown ranked #1 from the Florida Derby on, but that matters not when you give out the Colonel as your Derby pick.  I still like him, just not here and not on dirt.  I'd love to see him thunder home on top, but I'm not seeing it. 

Macho Again looks quite playable underneath at 6/1.   When you consider he's been 2nd to Big Brown and has defeated Pyro, it's hard not to like the "other" son of Macho Uno in the field today.  If you scratch a line through his Belmont run (you'd do it for Big Brown, right?) then his Derby Trial, Preakness, and Jim Dandy runs look pretty darn good against this field.  I have a feeling he'll be right there in the thick of things in what should be a great finish to the Travers. 

I'll paly Harlem Rocker for the win over Pyro and Mambo in Seattle for place.  To fill out the trifecta I'll add in Macho Again for show.  I'm also going to toss in Cool Coal Man who may get a nice, if uninspiring trip.  He's got a habit of sticking around if you toss out the obvious scratch in the Derby and a synthetics debacle in the Blue Grass.

8/9, 11/5, 6, 9, 11 ($6)

Unless of course one of you convinces me to go in another direction.

So after playing outside all afternoon she went for a swim, had a bath, and is now barely able to keep her eyes open and head off her paws.  Too funny.  Pyro is one tired puppy!!

Well I better get going.  Be safe!!