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 – (2) Predecessor (B) was bumped at the start and finished fourth in his debut. Should have a better trip today. (7) Politicallycorrect seems set for a strong effort in his debut. (6) I Got Game is another firster worth a long look. (8) The Toner was second last time and merits consideration. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.

3rd race – (5) Sogno Di Campione returns to dirt and deserves top billing here. (2) Phantom Ride will welcome a fast track. (6) Outlier has speed and could be a factor. (7) Man in the Can should respond nicely to a drop into a claimer. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.

5th race – (7) A La Carte drops into a claimer and seems ready for a good showing. (5) Epic Battle had a useful comeback effort and adds blinkers here. (11) Veracruzin debuts for Amoss off a win. (10) Funny Uncle could get the last laugh in a claimer. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 5-7-10-11.

7th race – (7) Extra Anejo hasn’t raced since last year’s Haskell, but the works say he’s set. (9) Scotland didn’t fire in his comeback start but can move forward here. (1) Eyeing Clover will be helped by a rail trip. (5) Raise Cain will appreciate some class relief after running in a Grade 1 stakes. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-5-7-9. Doubles: 1-5-7-9 with 3-7-8-9.

8th race – (7) Thorny seeks a third straight win and looks best here. (9) Low Country Magic won her debut and should be the one to fear. (3) Seven Natty Patty gets a nice rider switch to Hernandez. (8) Beauty N the Bolt will be a threat if she can match her last effort. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-7-8-9.