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 – (4) Sant’ Antimo takes a big class drop and looks best. (1) Legendary Lore looms the main threat from the rail. (2) Huntington steps up and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4. Doubles: 1-2-4 with 2-4-6-8. Pick 3: 1-2-4 with 2-4-6-8 with 2-3-5.

2nd race – (2) Empress Julie is a firster from Ward who seems set for a big effort in her debut against the boys. (4) Bob’s Carrot should be the main threat. (6) Lebowski could be a promising runner. (8) Conquering Cat gets Saez for his debut and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8. Doubles: 2-4-6-8 with 2-3-5.

3rd race – (2) Pro Oxidant disappointed last time but can rebound here. (3) Chattalot missed by a neck and figures to be a main contender. (5) Go West lost by a neck and will be formidable in this field. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-3-5.

5th race – (2) Theroanrunner (C) dropped from 7-2 to 5-2 and settled for second. Makes amends here. (3) Musical Note seems well-meant on dirt. (1) Rosia Bay will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-3.

7th race – (1) Arro Smash is training quickly for his 2024 debut and gets the nod here. (2) Champlin has speed and could be tough to catch. (3) Midnight Taxes seeks a third straight win and cannot be ignored. (4) Echo Again is dangerous on his best try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.