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In seven days, the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. Event will kick off at the World Series of Poker. While it is not getting the same coverage as in years past from ESPN, it is still revered as the “pro’s championship.” Today, I’m going to give my picks on some players to watch during the event.

Ivey vs. Harman - A heads-up H.O.R.S.E. match worthy of Pay Per View.

James Van Alstyne – Ok, so I realize this is going to be a popular pick by anyone following the series right now, and rightfully so. Van Alstyne finished in 2nd in the $1,500 and won the $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. With the run he is on right now in H.O.R.S.E. it would almost be silly to NOT bet on him.

Phil Ivey – No, I am not picking Ivey just because he is “The Man!” First, if you look at his results over the years at the WSOP in the game, and especially the 50k, you will see that this event fits his strengths. Ivey is one of the best, if not the best, stud players on the planet. This alone will propel him. However, Ivey seems to be actually focused on winning right now. A winning Ivey is a dangerous one. I expect Ivey to do no worse than cash in this event.

Howard Lederer – Howard is another player that has rededicated himself to playing and has had some great results as a result. Do not be surprised to see him cash in this event.

Dark Horses:

Daniel Negreanu – Don’t laugh when I say that Daniel is a “dark horse.” He has great stud results, but never has quite put it together in H.O.R.S.E. However, with deep runs in a couple of event, I think Daniel has a good shot this year. Maybe if he takes a few Omaha 8 lessons from Mike Matusow or Scott Clements he might have a great shot.

Doyle Brunson – While Doyle may be a legend, it is no secret that he isn’t a “consistently great” force in tournament poker. However, he does step it up for this event and as I have said before, he has forgotten more about poker than any of us will ever learn. If Doyle gets to the money with some chips, look for him at the final table and to be a force.

Sentimental Favorite:

Jen Harman – When I say sentimental favorite, I mean someone that I WANT to see do well but am not sure they will. Jen is a fabulous player but except for a couple of final tables here and there, she really has not done great things. Part of that may be due to starting a family. I have always liked Jen’s game and if she is focused and playing well, I think she has an excellent chance to go deep.

I’ll revisit this post once the H.O.R.S.E event is done and tell everyone how my pick did. Hopefully, I will get to gloat about one of my picks (Phil Ivey or Jen Harman) winning the bracelet.