Ellis Park Hotlist - July 2

Today’s Ellis Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, July 2, 2021

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:     

A : A preferred horse to watch                   B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

3rd race – (7) Bueno Bueno showed early speed against MSW rivals in his debut. Should be tougher to catch in a claimer. (2) Big Pete is worth a look in his career debut. (4) Cousin Greg had a nice gate work for his debut. (6) Willie Has Hart drops a notch and will be a factor here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7. Exactas: 2-7 over 4-6 and 4-6 over 2-7. Doubles: 2-4-6-7 with 1-4-6-8. Pick 3: 2-4-6-7 with 1-4-6-8 with 4-5-6-7.

4th race – (1) Tiz the Bomb has an interesting pedigree for turf and gets the nod here. (8) Hrothgar seems primed for a good effort in his debut. (4) Code Clear may wake up against this field. (6) Loonshot has worked well enough to be a factor here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8. Doubles: 1-4-6-8 with 4-5-6-7.

5th race – (6) Test of Will hasn’t raced since February but worked sharply and can handle this field on his best try. (7) Pelota adds Lasix and blinkers and should turn in a better effort. (5) Best Time can take a step forward on a dry track. (4) Momoa should be a main factor while making his career debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7.

7th race – (2) Derby Date pressed a fast pace in his debut against winners and faltered. Has the proper credentials to beat this field. (1) Edge to Edge seeks a third straight win and looks like the one to fear. (5) On Your Mark rallied nicely for second and should be a threat in the final furlong. (3) My Man Flintstone has enough early speed to be a factor here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 3-5 and 3-5 over 1-2. Doubles: 1-2-3-5 with 1-2-7-9.

8th race – (1) Awesummer drops a notch and should prevail from the rail. (2) Island Boy should appreciate the shorter distance here. (7) Ames Mister can rebound here after a weak try. (9) Command Central may bounce back to top form at this level. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-9.