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.

1st race – (7) Higgins Boat is a firster from Amoss who looks best here. (5) Sonofaship was second in his two starts and should complete the exacta again. (6) Card Trick is an Asmussen firster who can be a threat here. (2) Lou’s Legacy was a distant second in a stakes and should be a factor. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.

4th race – (1) Gentle Soul exits graded stakes company and gets a big edge breaking from the rail. (6) Kentucky Ghost gets some class relief here. (8) English Bee fits in nicely here. (5) Play Action Pass will welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8. Doubles: 1-5-6-8 with 3-4-5.

5th race – (4) Carmichael (C) was bet down from 5-2 to 9-5 and finished a game second. Makes amends here. (3) Pledgeofallegiance will be formidable in a claimer. (5) Ram will be a factor on his best try. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

7th race – (4) Pro Oxidant disappointed in a graded stakes but can bounce back here. (2) Bagboss had a useful comeback and can move forward here. (1) Howling Time will be dangerous if there’s no rust after last racing in July. (3) Chasing Time can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 1-5-8-12.

8th race – (8) Hidden Path comes off a sharp maiden win and should be able to handle this field as well. (12) Gamer had a rough trip last time but landed a rough post. (5) Policy Option should be closing quickly in the final furlong. (1) A La Carte will  be in the thick of things from the rail. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-8-12.