[Harv72b]

Betting out seems ridiculous against 6 opponents, with A high + a gutshot & backdoor flush draw. So I can see the urge for the check/call line that a lot of people are pushing.

However, given the size of the field & the nature of this flop, I think you can be almost certain that it will be at least 2 bets to Hero if he checks, which will be difficult at best for him to justify calling. If he wants to see the turn (and I would, in his place), it seems better to bet/call than check/hope for no raises...ideally, an EP raise of his bet might clean up Hero's ace outs as well.

So in that light, I like betting the flop.