The Safeway gathers its best field in many years this week as we return to the Silverado CC for the 6th year on the trot. It is a tough course to figure out just what attributes matter most but I prefer a good deal of accuracy from tee to green. Scrambling is another stat worth a glance as the contours around the greens mean there will be plenty of tasks during the week to get up and down greenside. Poa Annua greens is another issue as plenty find these surfaces difficult.

Thomas and Cantlay are the two superpowers at the top of the market. Both have had a month off since the end of the Fedex and it remains to be seen in what shape they arrive here. Thomas had the better form before they ceased with a win two starts ago but Cantlay was a shade disappointing in the season finale. They've both played this course well so it clearly is in their capability to gain a victory in a much weakened field as they have been accustomed to over the last few months. There are plenty with form on this track though and given the layoff the two prices don't interest me a whole lot.

Adam Scott has a decent record on Poa Annua greens and although I'm not a huge fan of the price I think he isthe most likely winner outside of the top 2. The Australian has been striping it from tee to green and that should act as a big advantage here this week. He is long enough into the bargain so I expect him to get plenty of chances. The switch to Poa Annua greens must be a positive also. He too has had a month off but he is used t longer lay offs as he takes plenty of time off each year. 5-9-5 in three playoff events was an impressive end to a consistent season which which seen him notch a top 20, and 2 top tens in the Majors. It's one of those instances that I'll back someone despite the price being a little bit malnourished.

2.5pts each-way A.Scott 14/1 (1/5 8)

Adam Scott - 2.5pts e/w @ 14/1

It has been a decent spell this past few months for Bud Cauley and looks overpriced this week. The Floridian has enjoyed some success of late with top 25 finishes coming at the John Deere, Wyndham and most recently a few weeks ago at the Greenbrier. He hasn't performed well on the greens here down the years but despite that has still managed to finish 7th here two years ago and made the cut on all three appearances. He isn't the most reliable and still get off the mark on tour but sorts like his have achieved some success here down the years. Ranks 15th in the field in Total Strokes gained at Silverado and worth a punt at 70/1.

1pt each-way B.Cauley 70/1 (1/5 8)

Bud Cauley - 1pt e/w @ 70/1

Harold Varner has threatened a win this year most notably in the Northern Trust and I expect him to land one of these 'less important' events at some point over the next year or so. Varner won the Australian PGA a few years ago but has failed to match those heroics on the PGA tour. Only one top 3 finish since is a disappointment but with the top 20 at the Grenbrier last time out he arrives with confidence. He gains shots in all departments here over the last four years which has included two top 20 finishes and four from four made cuts. A lively runner this week and worth a pop at 70s. Sungjae Im is a mighty tempting proposition this week also but I favour Scott by a whisker. Of others Chesson Hadley, Mark Hubbard and Brandt Snedeker were close to making my staking plan.

1pt each-way H.Varner 70/1 (1/5 8)

Harold Varner - 1pt e/w @ 70/1