Tactically speaking, the speed-loving Heart to Heart holds the edge in this competitive test and, on paper at least, looks to be the one to beat. The inside post hasn't always proven to be to a benefit, however, the lack of any real speed to his outside gives him the opportunity to get a uncontested early advantage with a clean break. In his seasonal reappearance, the Ontario bred just came up short finishing fourth in the GII Ft Lauderdale at Gulfstream Jan. 14 before doing what he does best, leading all the way home in the one-mile GIII Canadian Turf at the Hallandale oval Mar. 4. Not at the head of affairs as is his custom in the early stages of the GI Maker's 46 Mile S. Apr.14, he finally made it to the fore but was nabbed at the wire by closer American Patriot, who tries to collect his first score since that career high. Third last out in the June 3 GI Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita, Heart to Hear–who is now six- appears to run better fresh and is likely to benefit from the time off. Juddmonte Farm's Projected (GB) is winless since an allowance score at Keeneland in April, but has been proven to be consistent, nonetheless, posting a trio of runner-up efforts since, including a pair behind subsequent Grade I winner World Approval (Northern Afleet) in the May 20 GII Dixie S. and GIII Poker S. June 18. Most recent of the three was a one-length defeat by the highly-considered Zennor (Medaglia d'Oro) in Aug. 5 Lure S. over this course and trip, and the addition of blinkers could be just the thing that gives the gelding the extra edge he needs to break out of his recent affliction of seconditis. Offered some intrigue is the beautifully-bred Delta Prince. A half brother to multiple champion Royal Delta, the Stronach runner is two for three this season, including a win last time out in a $62,500 optional claimer going a mile over this turf course Aug. 5. The four-year-old appears to be armed with some tactical speed himself which would prove an advantage in this largely paceless affair.
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