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 – (1) Route Runner (B) was second last time and seems best in this spot. (5) Rivetage is worth a look off the Shirer claim. (2) Dr Kringle was claimed by Asmussen and merits attention. (4) Smile Mon could be a threat off the Atras claim. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.

3rdrace – (6) Curl Girl flopped in a stakes but fits better here. (2) Take Shape may appreciate the added distance. (3) Pretty Provocative could be closing at the end. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

5th race – (4)  Dive Bomber has interesting breeding for turf and can pull off a win. (9) Half Dome could make his presence felt in his debut. (12) Curlin  Gunner has late speed and should be a factor late. (2) Fort Thomas was a fast closing second and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-4-9-12.

7th race – (4) Eye of the Pharaoh seems set for a big effort in his debut. (8) Speighter Woman looks like the one to fear. (3) Mugen may appreciate a little more distance. (7) Princess Madison welcome the conditions in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.

10th race – (9) Nothing Better reared at the start and lost all chance. Gets a second chance here. (2) Panther Island was hurt by a wide trip last time and can rebound here. (4) Bad Beat Brian had trouble last time and deserves a second chance here. (1) Mo Stash will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9