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 – (6)  It’sfiftyshadetime was second in her last two starts at Oaklawn and should land in the winner’s circle. (4) The Sweaty Fox will appreciate a return to dirt. (3) Honey Run could be effective at this level. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.

3rd race – (4) Ram drops a notch off an Oaklawn win and looks best here. (1) Spycraft exits a big win against cheaper company. (7) Samurai Prince will benefit from a drop in claiming price. (3) Upstriker seems capable of improving on his last try. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

5th race – (6) Grayton had a useful debut and can move forward off it. (2) Vino Veritas will be a major threat in a claimer. (4) Pelican Lane may benefit from a surface switch. (3) E B Zoom Baby can be a contender in her career debut. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.

7th race – (4) Reynolds Channel (A) just missed last time in a solid effort and will make amends here. (5) Glenbrook Gerry woke up last time and looms the main rival. (7) House United will appreciate a dry track. (3) Carnitine tired in his debut and can take a step forward in this group. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-4-5-7.

9th race – (4) Oath of Allegiance has not raced since August but it working nicely for her comeback. (2) Rockabillie has not been worse than third in her last five starts and belongs in the exotics. (1) Lil Town Sis will be tough from the rail. (5) R Queen Candy should get some attention while moving up off a claim.  Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.