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 – (3) Bayou Magic takes a big class drop and should handle this field. (7) Auden also dips to a level where he should be competitive. (6) Royal Court returns to a claimer and should be watched. (5) Falcon Quest makes his debut for new connections in a weak field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7. Doubles: 3-5-6-7 with 2-3-5.

2nd race – (2) I’m Wide Awake was a good third at Oaklawn and will be hard to beat off a similar try. (3) Like a Saltshaker may bounce back with a better try. (5) Eternally Grateful returns to a level where he can thrive. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

4th race – (8) One for Ritchie was third at Indy and fits nicely here. (7) Leader of Men was a distant second and could be more competitive today. (5) Voodoo Zip finds easier company here. (1) Happymac put in a sharp work for this. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-5-7-8.

6th race – (5) Trouble’s Roaring may find a new home on turf. (10) Alcove may be suited by turf. (3) Royal Carol could improve off a useful debut. (4) Lieutenant General might pull rank on turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-4-5-10.

8th race – (2) Doncho looked good winning an Aqueduct stakes and can provide an encore here. (3) Beeline failed in a grade 2 stakes but fits better here. (5) Henro is on the upswing and is worth a look. (1) Normandy Hero will be aided by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-3-5.